Act I, Scene I — King Lear's palace.
Enter KENT, GLOUCESTER, and EDMUND.[2424]
Kent. I thought the king had more affected the Duke[2425][2426] of Albany than Cornwall.[2425][2426]
Glou. It did always seem so to us: but now, in the[2425][2426][2427] division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes[2425][2426][2428] he values most; for equalities are so weighed that curiosity[2425][2426][2429] 5 in neither can make choice of either's moiety.[2425][2426]
Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?[2425]
Glou. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I[2425] have so often blushed to acknowledge him that now I am[2425] brazed to it.[2425][2430] 10
Kent. I cannot conceive you.[2425]
Glou. Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon[2425] she grew round-wombed, and had indeed, sir, a son for her[2425] cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a[2425] fault?[2425] 15
Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it[2425] being so proper.[2425]
Glou. But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year[2425][2431] elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though[2425][2432] this knave came something saucily into the world before he[2425][2433] 20 was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport[2425] at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged.[2425][2434] Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund?[2425][2435]
Edm. No, my lord.[2425][2436]
Glou. My lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my[2425][2437] 25 honourable friend.[2425][2437]
Edm. My services to your lordship.[2425]
Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you better.[2425]
Edm. Sir, I shall study deserving.[2425][2438]
Glou. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall[2425] 30 again. The king is coming.[2425][2439]
Sennet. Enter one bearing a coronet, KING LEAR, CORNWALL, ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA, and Attendants.[2440]
Lear. Attend the lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.[2441]
Glou. I shall, my liege. [Exeunt Gloucester and Edmund.[2442]
Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.[2443] Give me the map there. Know we have divided[2444] 35 In three our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent[2445] To shake all cares and business from our age,[2446] Conferring them on younger strengths, while we[2447][2448] Unburthen'd crawl toward death. Our son of Cornwall,[2448] And you, our no less loving son of Albany,[2448][2449] 40 We have this hour a constant will to publish[2448] Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife[2448][2450] May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy,[2448][2451] Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love,[2452] Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, 45 And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters,[2453] Since now we will divest us both of rule,[2454] Interest of territory, cares of state,[2454][2455] Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bounty may extend 50 Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril,[2456] Our eldest-born, speak first.[2457]
Gon. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter,[2457][2458] Dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty,[2459] Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, 55 No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour, As much as child e'er loved or father found;[2460] A love that makes breath poor and speech unable; Beyond all manner of so much I love you.[2461]
Cor. [Aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent.[2462] 60
Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd,[2463][2464][2465] With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads,[2464] We make thee lady. To thine and Albany's issue[2466] Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter,[2467] 65 Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak.[2468]
Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister,[2469] And prize me at her worth. In my true heart[2470] I find she names my very deed of love;[2471] Only she comes too short: that I profess[2471][2472] 70 Myself an enemy to all other joys[2471] Which the most precious square of sense possesses,[2473] And find I am alone felicitate[2474][2475] In your dear highness' love.[2474]
Cor. [Aside] Then poor Cordelia![2476][2477][2478] And yet not so, since I am sure my love's[2479][2480] 75 More ponderous than my tongue.[2477][2480][2481]
Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom, No less in space, validity and pleasure, Than that conferr'd on Goneril. Now, our joy,[2482][2483][2484] 80 Although the last, not least, to whose young love[2483][2485] The vines of France and milk of Burgundy[2483] Strive to be interess'd, what can you say to draw[2483][2486] A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.[2483][2487]
Cor. Nothing, my lord. 85
Lear. Nothing![2488]
Cor. Nothing.[2488]
Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.[2489]
Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave[2490][2491] My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty[2490] 90 According to my bond; nor more nor less.[2490][2492]
Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,[2493] Lest it may mar your fortunes.[2494]
Cor. Good my lord, You have begot me, bred me, loved me: I[2495][2496] Return those duties back as are right fit,[2496][2497] 95 Obey you, love you, and most honour you. Why have my sisters husbands, if they say[2498] They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,[2498][2499][2500] That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry[2500] Half my love with him, half my care and duty:[2500] 100 Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,[2500][2501][2502] To love my father all.[2502][2503]
Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Cor. Ay, good my lord.[2504]
Lear. So young, and so untender?
Cor. So young, my lord, and true. 105
Lear. Let it be so; thy truth then be thy dower:[2505] For, by the sacred radiance of the sun, The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;[2506] By all the operation of the orbs[2507] From whom we do exist and cease to be; 110 Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me Hold thee from this for ever. The barbarous Scythian,[2508] Or he that makes his generation messes[2509] 115 To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom[2509][2510] Be as well neighbour'd, pitied and relieved,[2510] As thou my sometime daughter.
Kent. Good my liege,--[2511]
Lear. Peace, Kent![2512] Come not between the dragon and his wrath.[2512] 120 I loved her most, and thought to set my rest On her kind nursery. Hence, and avoid my sight![2513] So be my grave my peace, as here I give Her father's heart from her! Call France. Who stirs? Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany,[2514] 125 With my two daughters' dowers digest this third:[2515] Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her. I do invest you jointly with my power,[2516] Pre-eminence and all the large effects[2517] That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course,[2518] 130 With reservation of an hundred knights By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain[2519] The name and all the additions to a king;[2520][2521] The sway, revenue, execution of the rest,[2520][2522] 135 Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, This coronet part betwixt you.[2523]
Kent. Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,[2524] Loved as my father, as my master follow'd,[2525] As my great patron thought on in my prayers,--[2526] 140
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn; make from the shaft.
Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade[2527] The region of my heart: be Kent unmannerly, When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?[2528] Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak, 145 When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound,[2529] When majesty stoops to folly. Reverse thy doom,[2530] And in thy best consideration check[2531] This hideous rashness: answer my life my judgement,[2532] Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; 150 Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound[2533] Reverbs no hollowness.[2533]
Lear. Kent, on thy life, no more.[2534]
Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn[2535] To wage against thy enemies, nor fear to lose it,[2536] Thy safety being the motive.[2537]
Lear. Out of my sight! 155
Kent. See better, Lear, and let me still remain The true blank of thine eye.
Lear. Now, by Apollo,--
Kent. Now, by Apollo, king,[2538][2539] Thou swear'st thy gods in vain.[2538]
Lear. O, vassal! miscreant!
[Laying his hand on his sword.[2540]
Alb. } Dear sir, forbear.[2541] 160 Corn.}
Kent. Do;[2542] Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow[2543][2544] Upon the foul disease. Revoke thy doom;[2543][2545] Or, whilst I can vent clamour from my throat,[2543] I'll tell thee them dost evil.[2543]
Lear. Hear me, recreant![2546][2547] 165 On thy allegiance, hear me![2546][2548] Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow,[2549] Which we durst never yet, and with strain'd pride[2550] To come between our sentence and our power,[2551] Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, 170 Our potency made good, take thy reward.[2552] Five days we do allot thee, for provision[2553] To shield thee from diseases of the world,[2554] And on the sixth to turn thy hated back[2555] Upon our kingdom: if on the tenth day following[2556] 175 Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions, The moment is thy death. Away! By Jupiter,[2557] This shall not be revoked.
Kent. Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear,[2558] Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.[2559] 180 [To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid,[2560] That justly think'st and hast most rightly said![2561] [To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds approve,[2562] That good effects may spring from words of love. Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu; 185 He'll shape his old course in a country new. [Exit.[2563]
Flourish. Re-enter GLOUCESTER, with FRANCE, BURGUNDY, and Attendants.[2564]
Glou. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord.[2565]
Lear. My lord of Burgundy,[2566][2567] We first address towards you, who with this king[2566][2568] Hath rivall'd for our daughter: what, in the least,[2566][2569] 190 Will you require in present dower with her,[2566] Or cease your quest of love?[2566][2570]
Bur. Most royal majesty,[2571] I crave no more than what your highness offer'd,[2571][2572] Nor will you tender less.[2571][2573]
Lear. Right noble Burgundy,[2574] When she was dear to us, we did hold her so;[2574][2575] 195 But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands:[2574][2576] If aught within that little seeming substance,[2574][2577] Or all of it, with our displeasure pieced,[2574][2578] And nothing more, may fitly like your grace,[2579] She's there, and she is yours.
Bur. I know no answer. 200
Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes,[2580] Unfriended, new adopted to our hate, Dower'd with our curse and stranger'd with our oath,[2581] Take her, or leave her?[2582]
Bur. Pardon me, royal sir;[2583][2584] Election makes not up on such conditions.[2584][2585] 205
Lear. Then leave her, sir; for, by the power that made me, I tell you all her wealth. [To France] For you, great king,[2586] I would not from your love make such a stray, To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you To avert your liking a more worthier way[2587] 210 Than on a wretch whom nature is ashamed Almost to acknowledge hers.
France. This is most strange,[2588] That she, that even but now was your best object,[2588][2589] The argument of your praise, balm of your age,[2588][2590] Most best, most dearest, should in this trice of time[2588][2591] 215 Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle[2588] So many folds of favour. Sure, her offence[2588][2592] Must be of such unnatural degree[2588] That monsters it, or your fore-vouch'd affection[2593][2594] Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her,[2594][2595] 220 Must be a faith that reason without miracle[2596] Could never plant in me.[2596]
Cor. I yet beseech your majesty,--[2597][2598] If for I want that glib and oily art,[2598][2599] To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,[2600] I'll do't before I speak,--that you make known[2601] 225 It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness,[2602] No unchaste action, or dishonour'd step,[2603] That hath deprived me of your grace and favour;[2604] But even for want of that for which I am richer,[2605] A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue[2606] 230 As I am glad I have not, though not to have it[2607] Hath lost me in your liking.
Lear. Better thou[2608][2609] Hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better.[2609][2610]
France. Is it but this, a tardiness in nature[2611] Which often leaves the history unspoke[2612][2613] 235 That it intends to do? My lord of Burgundy,[2613][2614] What say you to the lady? Love's not love[2613][2615] When it is mingled with regards that stand[2613][2616] Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her?[2617] She is herself a dowry.[2618]
Bur. Royal Lear,[2619][2620] 240 Give but that portion which yourself proposed,[2620] And here I take Cordelia by the hand,[2620] Duchess of Burgundy.[2620]
Lear. Nothing: I have sworn; I am firm.[2621]
Bur. I am sorry then you have so lost a father[2622] 245 That you must lose a husband.
Cor. Peace be with Burgundy![2623][2624] Since that respects of fortune are his love,[2623][2625] I shall not be his wife.[2623]
France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich being poor,[2626] Most choice forsaken, and most loved despised, 250 Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon:[2627] Be it lawful I take up what's cast away.[2628] Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect[2629] My love should kindle to inflamed respect. Thy dowerless daughter, king, thrown to my chance,[2630] 255 Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France: Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy[2631] Can buy this unprized precious maid of me.[2632] Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind:[2633][2634] Thou losest here, a better where to find.[2634] 260
Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine, for we[2635] Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see[2635] That face of hers again. Therefore be gone[2636] Without our grace, our love, our benison.[2637][2638] Come, noble Burgundy.[2637] 265
[Flourish. Exeunt all but France, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.[2639]
France. Bid farewell to your sisters.[2640]
Cor. The jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes[2641][2642] Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are;[2642][2643] And, like a sister, am most loath to call[2642] Your faults as they are named. Use well our father:[2642][2644] 270 To your professed bosoms I commit him:[2645] But yet, alas, stood I within his grace, I would prefer him to a better place.[2646] So farewell to you both.
Reg. Prescribe not us our duties.[2647]
Gon. Let your study[2648] 275 Be to content your lord, who hath received you[2648] At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted,[2648][2649] And well are worth the want that you have wanted.[2650]
Cor. Time shall unfold what plaited cunning hides:[2651] Who cover faults, at last shame them derides.[2652] 280 Well may you prosper!
France. Come, my fair Cordelia.
[Exeunt France and Cordelia.[2653]
Gon. Sister, it is not a little I have to say of what most[2654][2655][2656] nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence[2655][2657] to-night.[2655]
Reg. That's most certain, and with you; next month[2658] 285 with us.
Gon. You see how full of changes his age is; the observation[2659] we have made of it hath not been little: he always[2660] loved our sister most; and with what poor judgement he hath now cast her off appears too grossly.[2661] 290
Reg. 'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself.
Gon. The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look to receive from his age, not alone[2662] the imperfections of long ingrafted condition, but[2663] 295 therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric[2664] years bring with them.
Reg. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from[2665] him as this of Kent's banishment.
Gon. There is further compliment of leave-taking between[2666] 300 France and him. Pray you, let's hit together: if our[2667] father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears,[2668] this last surrender of his will but offend us.
Reg. We shall further think on 't.[2669]
Gon. We must do something, and i' the heat. [Exeunt. 305
Act I, Scene II — The Earl of Gloucester's castle.
Enter EDMUND, with a letter.[2670]
Edm. Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law[2671] My services are bound. Wherefore should I[2671] Stand in the plague of custom, and permit[2671][2672] The curiosity of nations to deprive me,[2671][2673] For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines[2671] 5 Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?[2671][2674] When my dimensions are as well compact,[2671][2675] My mind as generous and my shape as true,[2671] As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us[2671][2676] With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?[2671][2677] 10 Who in the lusty stealth of nature take[2671] More composition and fierce quality[2671] Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,[2671][2678] Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops,[2671][2679] Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well then,[2671][2680] 15 Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:[2671] Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund[2671] As to the legitimate: fine word,'legitimate!'[2671][2681] Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed[2671] And my invention thrive, Edmund the base[2671][2676] 20 Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper:[2671][2682] Now, gods, stand up for bastards![2671]
Enter GLOUCESTER.[2671]
Glou. Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted![2671][2683][2684] And the king gone to-night! subscribed his power![2671][2684][2685] Confined to exhibition! All this done[2671][2684][2686] 25 Upon the gad! Edmund, how now! what news?[2671][2684]
Edm. So please your lordship, none.
[Putting up the letter.[2687]
Glou. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter?[2688]
Edm. I know no news, my lord.
Glou. What paper were you reading? 30
Edm. Nothing, my lord.
Glou. No? What needed then that terrible dispatch of[2689] it into your pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself. Let's see: come, if it be nothing, I shall[2690] not need spectacles. 35
Edm. I beseech you, sir, pardon me: it is a letter from[2691] my brother, that I have not all o'er-read; and for so much[2692] as I have perused, I find it not fit for your o'er-looking.[2693]
Glou. Give me the letter, sir.
Edm. I shall offend, either to detain or give it. The[2694] 40 contents, as in part I understand them, are to blame.[2694][2695]
Glou. Let's see, let's see.
Edm. I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue.[2696]
Glou. [Reads] 'This policy and reverence of age makes[2697] 45 the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes[2698] from us till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come[2699] to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would 50 sleep till I waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your brother, EDGAR.' Hum! Conspiracy!--'Sleep till I waked him, you should[2700] enjoy half his revenue!'--My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart and brain to breed it in? When[2701] 55 came this to you? who brought it?[2702]
Edm. It was not brought me, my lord; there's the cunning of it; I found it thrown in at the casement of my closet.
Glou. You know the character to be your brother's?
Edm. If the matter were good, my lord, I durst swear 60 it were his; but, in respect of that, I would fain think it[2703][2704] were not.[2703]
Glou. It is his.[2705]
Edm. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is[2706] not in the contents. 65
Glou. Hath he never heretofore sounded you in this[2707] business?
Edm. Never, my lord: but I have heard him oft maintain[2708] it to be fit, that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining,[2709] the father should be as ward to the son, and the[2710] 70 son manage his revenue.[2711]
Glou. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him; ay, apprehend[2712] him: abominable villain! Where is he? 75
Edm. I do not well know, my lord. If it shall please[2713] you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better testimony of his intent, you[2714] should run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed[2715] against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great 80 gap in your own honour and shake in pieces the heart of[2716] his obedience. I dare pawn down my life for him that he[2717] hath wrote this to feel my affection to your honour and to[2718] no further pretence of danger.[2719]
Glou. Think you so? 85
Edm. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall hear us confer of this and by an auricular[2720] assurance have your satisfaction, and that without any further delay than this very evening.
Glou. He cannot be such a monster--[2721] 90
Edm. Nor is not, sure.[2722]
Glou. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves[2722] him. Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me[2722][2723] into him, I pray you: frame the business after your own[2724] wisdom. I would unstate myself, to be in a due resolution. 95
Edm. I will seek him, sir, presently, convey the business[2725] as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal.[2726]
Glou. These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend[2727][2728] no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can reason it[2729] thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent[2730] 100 effects: love cools, friendship falls off, brothers divide: in cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; in palaces,[2731] treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt son and father. This[2732][2733] villain of mine comes under the prediction; there's son[2733] against father: the king falls from bias of nature; there's[2733] 105 father against child. We have seen the best of our time:[2733] machinations, hollowness, treachery and all ruinous disorders[2733] follow us disquietly to our graves. Find out this[2733] villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully.[2734] And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished! his offence, 110 honesty! 'Tis strange. [Exit.[2735]
Edm. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that[2736] when we are sick in fortune--often the surfeit of our own[2737] behaviour--we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon and the stars: as if we were villains by necessity,[2738] 115 fools by heavenly compulsion, knaves, thieves and treachers,[2739] by spherical predominance, drunkards, liars and adulterers,[2740] by an enforced obedience of planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine thrusting on: an admirable evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish 120 disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded[2741] with my mother under the dragon's tail, and my nativity was under Ursa major; so that it follows I am rough and lecherous. Tut, I should have been that I am, had the[2742] maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my[2743] 125 bastardizing. Edgar--[2744][2745][2746]
Enter EDGAR.
And pat he comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy:[2744][2745] my cue is villanous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o'[2745][2747] Bedlam. O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! fa,[2745][2748][2749] sol, la, mi.[2749][2750] 130
Edg. How now, brother Edmund! what serious contemplation are you in?
Edm. I am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day, what should follow these eclipses.[2727]
Edg. Do you busy yourself about that?[2751] 135
Edm. I promise you, the effects he writ of succeed[2752] unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child and the[2753] parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities;[2753][2754] divisions in state, menaces and maledictions against king and[2753] nobles; needless diffidences, banishment of friends,[2753] 140 dissipation of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and I know not what.[2753][2755]
Edg. How long have you been a sectary astronomical?[2753]
Edm. Come, come; when saw you my father last?[2753]
Edg. Why, the night gone by.[2756]
Edm. Spake you with him? 145
Edg. Ay, two hours together.[2757]
Edm. Parted you in good terms? Found you no displeasure in him by word or countenance?[2758]
Edg. None at all.
Edm. Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended[2759] 150 him: and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some[2760] little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure, which at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief of[2761] your person it would scarcely allay.[2762]
Edg. Some villain hath done me wrong. 155
Edm. That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent[2763] forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower and, as I[2763] say, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will fitly[2763] bring you to hear my lord speak: pray ye, go; there's my[2763][2764] key: if you do stir abroad, go armed.[2763] 160
Edg. Armed, brother![2763]
Edm. Brother, I advise you to the best: go armed: I[2763][2765] am no honest man if there be any good meaning towards[2766] you: I have told you what I have seen and heard; but[2767] faintly, nothing like the image and horror of it: pray you,[2767] 165 away.
Edg. Shall I hear from you anon?
Edm. I do serve you in this business. [Exit Edgar.[2768] A credulous father, and a brother noble, Whose nature is so far from doing harms 170 That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty My practices ride easy. I see the business. Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit: All with me's meet that I can fashion fit. [Exit.[2769]
Act I, Scene III — The Duke of Albany's palace.
Enter GONERIL and OSWALD, her steward.[2770]
Gon. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool?
Osw. Yes, madam.[2771][2772]
Gon. By day and night he wrongs me; every hour[2773][2774] He flashes into one gross crime or other,[2774] 5 That sets us all at odds: I'll not endure it: His knights grow riotous, and himself upbraids us[2775] On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,[2776] I will not speak with him; say I am sick: If you come slack of former services, 10 You shall do well; the fault of it I'll answer.
Osw. He's coming, madam; I hear him. [Horns within.[2777]
Gon. Put on what weary negligence you please,[2778][2779] You and your fellows; I'ld have it come to question:[2778][2780] If he distaste it, let him to our sister,[2778][2781] 15 Whose mind and mine, I know, in that are one,[2778] Not to be over-ruled. Idle old man,[2782] That still would manage those authorities[2782] That he hath given away! Now, by my life,[2782] Old fools are babes again, and must be used[2782][2783] 20 With checks as flatteries, when they are seen abused.[2782][2784] Remember what I tell you.
Osw. Very well, madam.[2785]
Gon. And let his knights have colder looks among you;[2786] What grows of it, no matter; advise your fellows so:[2786][2787] I would breed from hence occasions, and I shall,[2788] 25 That I may speak: I'll write straight to my sister,[2788][2789] To hold my very course. Prepare for dinner. [Exeunt.[2789][2790]
Act I, Scene IV — A hall in the same.
Enter KENT, disguised.[2791]
Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow,[2792][2793] That can my speech defuse, my good intent[2792][2794] May carry through itself to that full issue[2792] For which I razed my likeness. Now, banish'd Kent,[2792][2795] If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd,[2792] 5 So may it come, thy master whom thou lovest[2792][2796] Shall find thee full of labours.[2792]
Horns within. Enter LEAR, Knights, and Attendants.[2797]
Lear. Let me not stay a jot for dinner; go get it ready. [Exit an Attendant.] How now! what art thou?[2798]
Kent. A man, sir. 10
Lear. What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
Kent. I do profess to be no less than I seem; to serve him truly that will put me in trust; to love him that is honest; to converse with him that is wise and says little; to fear[2799] 15 judgement; to fight when I cannot choose, and to eat no fish.
Lear. What art thou?[2800]
Kent. A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the king.
Lear. If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a[2801] 20 king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?[2802]
Kent. Service.
Lear. Who wouldst thou serve?[2803]
Kent. You.
Lear. Dost thou know me, fellow? 25
Kent. No, sir; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master.
Lear. What's that?[2804]
Kent. Authority.
Lear. What services canst thou do?[2805] 30
Kent. I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a[2806] curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.
Lear. How old art thou? 35
Kent. Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing,[2807] nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my back forty eight.
Lear. Follow me; thou shalt serve me: if I like thee no[2808][2809] worse after dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner,[2809][2810] 40 ho, dinner! Where's my knave? my fool? Go you, and[2810] call my fool hither. [Exit an Attendant.[2811]
Enter OSWALD.[2812]
You, you, sirrah, where's my daughter?[2813]
Osw. So please you,-- [Exit.[2814]
Lear. What says the fellow there? Call the clotpoll[2815] 45 back. [Exit a Knight.] Where's my fool, ho? I think[2816] the world's asleep.
Re-enter Knight.[2817]
How now! where's that mongrel?
Knight. He says, my lord, your daughter is not well.[2818]
Lear. Why came not the slave back to me when I 50 called him?
Knight. Sir, he answered me in the roundest manner,[2819][2820] he would not.
Lear. He would not![2821]
Knight. My lord, I know not what the matter is; but,[2819] 55 to my judgement, your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont; there's a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants[2822] as in the duke himself also and your daughter.
Lear. Ha! sayest thou so? 60
Knight. I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, if I be[2819] mistaken; for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged.[2823]
Lear. Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception:[2824] I have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I[2825] 65 have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as[2826] a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: I will look[2827] further into't. But where's my fool? I have not seen him[2828] this two days.[2829]
Knight. Since my young lady's going into France, sir,[2830] 70 the fool hath much pined away.
Lear. No more of that; I have noted it well. Go you,[2831] and tell my daughter I would speak with her. [Exit an[2832] Attendant.] Go you, call hither my fool. [Exit an Attendant.
Re-enter OSWALD.[2833]
O, you sir, you, come you hither, sir: who am I, sir?[2834] 75
Osw. My lady's father.
Lear. My lady's father! my lord's knave: you whoreson dog! you slave! you cur!
Osw. I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your[2835][2836][2837] pardon.[2835][2837] 80
Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you rascal?
[Striking him.[2838]
Osw. I'll not be struck, my lord.[2839]
Kent. Nor tripped neither, you base foot-ball player.[2840]
[Tripping up his heels.
Lear. I thank thee, fellow; thou servest me, and I'll[2841] love thee.[2841] 85
Kent. Come, sir, arise, away! I'll teach you differences:[2842] away, away! If you will measure your lubber's length again,[2843] tarry: but away! go to; have you wisdom? so.[2844]
[Pushes Oswald out.
Lear. Now, my friendly knave, I thank thee: there's[2845] earnest of thy service. [Giving Kent money.[2846] 90
Enter Fool.
Fool. Let me hire him too: here's my coxcomb.[2847]
[Offering Kent his cap.
Lear. How now, my pretty knave! how dost thou?
Fool. Sirrah, you were best take my coxcomb.
Kent. Why, fool?[2848]
Fool. Why, for taking one's part that's out of favour:[2849] 95 nay, an thou canst not smile as the wind sits, thou'lt catch[2850] cold shortly: there, take my coxcomb: why, this fellow hath[2851] banished two on's daughters, and done the third a blessing[2852] against his will; if thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb. How now, nuncle! Would I had two coxcombs 100 and two daughters![2853]
Lear. Why, my boy?
Fool. If I gave them all my living, I'ld keep my coxcombs[2854] myself. There's mine; beg another of thy daughters.
Lear. Take heed, sirrah; the whip. 105
Fool. Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped[2855] out, when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and[2856] stink.
Lear. A pestilent gall to me![2857]
Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a speech.[2858] 110
Lear. Do.[2859]
Fool. Mark it, nuncle:[2860] Have more than thou showest,[2861] Speak less than thou knowest,[2861] Lend less than thou owest,[2861] 115 Ride more than thou goest,[2861] Learn more than thou trowest,[2861] Set less than thou throwest;[2861] Leave thy drink and thy whore,[2861] And keep in-a-door,[2861][2862] 120 And thou shalt have more[2861] Than two tens to a score.[2861]
Kent. This is nothing, fool.[2863]
Fool. Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer,[2864] you gave me nothing for't. Can you make no use of[2865] 125 nothing, nuncle?[2866]
Lear. Why, no, boy; nothing can be made out of nothing.
Fool. [To Kent] Prithee, tell him, so much the rent of[2867] his land comes to: he will not believe a fool. 130
Lear. A bitter fool![2868]
Fool. Dost thou know the difference, my boy, between[2868][2869] a bitter fool and a sweet fool?[2868][2870]
Lear. No, lad; teach me.[2868]
Fool. That lord that counsell'd thee[2871][2872][2873] 135 To give away thy land,[2872][2873] Come place him here by me;[2872][2873] Do thou for him stand:[2872][2873][2874] The sweet and bitter fool[2872][2873] Will presently appear;[2872][2873] The one in motley here,[2872][2873] 140 The other found out there.[2872][2873]
Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?[2872][2875]
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that[2872] thou wast born with.[2872] 145
Kent. This is not altogether fool, my lord.[2872]
Fool. No, faith, lords and great men will not let me; if[2872] I had a monopoly out, they would have part on't: and[2872][2876][2877] ladies too, they will not let me have all the fool to myself;[2872][2877][2878] they'll be snatching. Give me an egg, nuncle, and I'll give[2872][2879] 150 thee two crowns.
Lear. What two crowns shall they be?
Fool. Why, after I have cut the egg in the middle and[2880] eat up the meat, the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i' the middle and gavest away both parts,[2881] 155 thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt: thou hadst[2882] little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped[2883] that first finds it so.[2884] [Singing] Fools had ne'er less wit in a year;[2885][2886] 160 For wise men are grown foppish, And know not how their wits to wear,[2887] Their manners are so apish.
Lear. When were you wont to be so full of songs, sirrah?[2888]
Fool. I have used it, nuncle, ever since thou madest thy[2889] 165 daughters thy mother: for when thou gavest them the rod[2890] and puttest down thine own breeches, [Singing] Then they for sudden joy did weep,[2885][2891][2892] And I for sorrow sung,[2892] That such a king should play bo-peep,[2892] 170 And go the fools among.[2892][2893]
Prithee, nuncle, keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie: I would fain learn to lie.[2894]
Lear. An you lie, sirrah, we'll have you whipped.[2895]
Fool. I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are: 175 they'll have me whipped for speaking true, thou'lt have me[2896] whipped for lying, and sometimes I am whipped for holding[2897] my peace. I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool:[2898] and yet I would not be thee, nuncle; thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i' the middle. Here comes[2899] 180 one o' the parings.[2898][2900]
Enter GONERIL.
Lear. How now, daughter! what makes that frontlet on?[2901][2902][2903] Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown.[2902][2904]
Fool. Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning; now thou art an O without[2905] 185 a figure: I am better than thou art now; I am a fool, thou art nothing. [To Gon.] Yes, forsooth, I will hold my[2906] tongue; so your face bids me, though you say nothing.
Mum, mum:[2907] He that keeps nor crust nor crumb,[2908] 190 Weary of all, shall want some. [Pointing to Lear] That's a shealed peascod.[2909]
Gon. Not only, sir, this your all-licensed fool,[2910][2911] But other of your insolent retinue[2910][2912] Do hourly carp and quarrel, breaking forth[2910] 195 In rank and not to be endured riots. Sir,[2910][2913] I had thought, by making this well known unto you,[2910][2914] To have found a safe redress; but now grow fearful,[2910] By what yourself too late have spoke and done,[2910] That you protect this course and put it on[2910][2915] 200 By your allowance; which if you should, the fault[2910][2916][2917] Would not 'scape censure, nor the redresses sleep,[2910][2917][2918] Which, in the tender of a wholesome weal,[2910] Might in their working do you that offence[2910] Which else were shame, that then necessity[2910][2919] 205 Will call discreet proceeding.[2910][2920]
Fool. For, you know, nuncle,[2921] The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,[2922] That it had it head bit off by it young.[2922][2923] So out went the candle, and we were left darkling. 210
Lear. Are you our daughter?
Gon. Come, sir,[2924] I would you would make use of that good wisdom[2925][2926] Whereof I know you are fraught, and put away[2925][2927] These dispositions that of late transform you[2925][2928] 215 From what you rightly are.[2925]
Fool. May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse? Whoop, Jug! I love thee.
Lear. Doth any here know me? This is not Lear:[2929][2930] Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?[2931] 220 Either his notion weakens, his discernings[2932] Are lethargied--Ha! waking? 'tis not so.[2933] Who is it that can tell me who I am?[2929][2934]
Fool. Lear's shadow.[2935]
Lear. I would learn that; for, by the marks of[2936][2937] 225 sovereignty knowledge and reason, I should be false[2936][2938] persuaded I had daughters.[2936]
Fool. Which they will make an obedient father.[2936][2939][2940]
Lear. Your name, fair gentlewoman?[2939]
Gon. This admiration, sir, is much o' the savour[2941][2942] 230 Of other your new pranks. I do beseech you[2941] To understand my purposes aright:[2941][2943] As you are old and reverend, you should be wise.[2941][2944] Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires;[2941][2945] Men so disorder'd, so debosh'd and bold,[2941][2946] 235 That this our court, infected with their manners,[2941] Shows like a riotous inn: epicurism and lust[2941][2947] Make it more like a tavern or a brothel[2941][2948] Than a graced palace. The shame itself doth speak[2941][2949] For instant remedy: be then desired[2941][2950] 240 By her that else will take the thing she begs[2941] A little to disquantity your train,[2941][2951] And the remainder that shall still depend,[2941][2952] To be such men as may besort your age,[2941] Which know themselves and you.[2941][2953]
Lear. Darkness and devils![2941] 245 Saddle my horses; call my train together.[2941] Degenerate bastard! I'll not trouble thee:[2941] Yet have I left a daughter.[2941]
Gon. You strike my people, and your disorder'd rabble[2954] Make servants of their betters.[2954] 250
Enter ALBANY.[2955]
Lear. Woe, that too late repents,--[To Alb.] O, sir, are you come?[2956] Is it your will? Speak, sir. Prepare my horses.[2957] Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend, More hideous when thou show'st thee in a child Than the sea-monster![2958]
Alb. Pray, sir, be patient.[2959][2960] 255
Lear. [To Gon.] Detested kite! thou liest.[2959][2961][2962] My train are men of choice and rarest parts,[2962] That all particulars of duty know, And in the most exact regard support The worships of their name. O most small fault,[2963] 260 How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show! That, like an engine, wrench'd my frame of nature[2964] From the fix'd place, drew from my heart all love And added to the gall. O Lear, Lear, Lear![2965] Beat at this gate, that let thy folly in [Striking his head.[2966] 265 And thy dear judgement out! Go, go, my people.[2967]
Alb. My lord, I am guiltless, as I am ignorant[2968] Of what hath moved you.[2969]
Lear. It may be so, my lord.[2970] Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear![2970][2971] Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend[2970] 270 To make this creature fruitful:[2970] Into her womb convey sterility: Dry up in her the organs of increase, And from her derogate body never spring[2972] A babe to honour her! If she must teem, 275 Create her child of spleen, that it may live And be a thwart disnatured torment to her.[2973] Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth; With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;[2974] Turn all her mother's pains and benefits[2975] 280 To laughter and contempt; that she may feel[2976] How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is To have a thankless child! Away, away! [Exit.[2977]
Alb. Now, gods that we adore, whereof comes this?[2978]
Gon. Never afflict yourself to know the cause,[2979] 285 But let his disposition have that scope That dotage gives it.
Re-enter LEAR.[2980]
Lear. What, fifty of my followers at a clap! Within a fortnight!
Alb. What's the matter, sir?[2981]
Lear. I'll tell thee. [To Gon.] Life and death! I am ashamed[2982] 290 That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus; That these hot tears, which break from me perforce,[2983] Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee![2984][2985] The untented woundings of a father's curse[2985] Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes,[2986] 295 Beweep this cause again, I'll pluck ye out[2987] And cast you with the waters that you lose,[2988] To temper clay. Yea, is it come to this?[2989] Let it be so: yet have I left a daughter,[2990] Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable:[2991] 300 When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails She'll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find[2992] That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think I have cast off for ever: thou shalt, I warrant thee.
[Exeunt Lear, Kent, and Attendants.[2993]
Gon. Do you mark that, my lord?[2994] 305
Alb. I cannot be so partial, Goneril, To the great love I bear you,--[2995][2996]
Gon. Pray you, content. What, Oswald, ho![2995][2997][2998] [To the Fool] You, sir, more knave than fool, after your master.[2995][2997][2999]
Fool. Nuncle Lear, nuncle Lear, tarry; take the fool[3000][3001] 310 with thee.[3000][3002]
A fox, when one has caught her,[3002] And such a daughter, Should sure to the slaughter, If my cap would buy a halter:[3003] 315 So the fool follows after. [Exit.[3004]
Gon. This man hath had good counsel: a hundred knights![3005][3006] 'Tis politic and safe to let him keep[3005][3007] At point a hundred knights: yes, that on every dream,[3008] Each buzz, each fancy, each complaint, dislike, 320 He may enguard his dotage with their powers And hold our lives in mercy. Oswald, I say![3009]
Alb. Well, you may fear too far.
Gon. Safer than trust too far:[3010] Let me still take away the harms I fear, Not fear still to be taken: I know his heart.[3011] 325 What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister: If she sustain him and his hundred knights,[3012] When I have show'd the unfitness,--
Re-enter OSWALD.[3013]
How now, Oswald![3014] What, have you writ that letter to my sister?[3014][3015]
Osw. Yes, madam.[3016] 330
Gon. Take you some company, and away to horse:[3017] Inform her full of my particular fear,[3018] And thereto add such reasons of your own As may compact it more. Get you gone;[3019] And hasten your return. [Exit Oswald.] No, no, my lord,[3020] 335 This milky gentleness and course of yours[3021] Though I condemn not, yet, under pardon,[3022] You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom[3023] Than praised for harmful mildness.[3024]
Alb. How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell:[3025] 340 Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.[3025][3026]
Gon. Nay, then--[3027]
Alb. Well, well; the event. [Exeunt.[3028]
Act I, Scene V — Court before the same.
Enter LEAR, KENT, and Fool.[3029]
Lear. Go you before to Gloucester with these letters.[3030] Acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you know than comes from her demand out of the letter. If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore you.[3031]
Kent. I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered 5 your letter. [Exit.
Fool. If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in[3032] danger of kibes?
Lear. Ay, boy.
Fool. Then, I prithee, be merry; thy wit shall ne'er go[3033] 10 slip-shod.
Lear. Ha, ha, ha!
Fool. Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly; for though she's as like this as a crab's like an apple, yet I[3034] can tell what I can tell.[3035] 15
Lear. Why, what canst thou tell, boy?[3036]
Fool. She will taste as like this as a crab does to a[3037] crab. Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i' the middle[3038] on's face?[3039]
Lear. No. 20
Fool. Why, to keep one's eyes of either side's nose,[3040] that what a man cannot smell out he may spy into.[3041]
Lear. I did her wrong--[3042]
Fool. Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell?[3043]
Lear. No. 25
Fool. Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.
Lear. Why?
Fool. Why, to put's head in; not to give it away to his[3044] daughters, and leave his horns without a case.[3045] 30
Lear. I will forget my nature.--So kind a father!--Be my horses ready?
Fool. Thy asses are gone about 'em. The reason why[3046] the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason.[3047]
Lear. Because they are not eight?[3048] 35
Fool. Yes, indeed: thou wouldst make a good fool.[3049]
Lear. To take 't again perforce! Monster ingratitude![3050]
Fool. If thou wert my fool, nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten[3051] for being old before thy time.
Lear. How's that? 40
Fool. Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst[3052] been wise.
Lear. O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven![3053][3054] Keep me in temper: I would not be mad![3053]
Enter Gentleman.[3055]
How now! are the horses ready?[3056] 45
Gent. Ready, my lord.[3057]
Lear. Come, boy.[3058]
Fool. She that's a maid now and laughs at my departure[3059] Shall not be a maid long, unless things be cut shorter.[3060]
[Exeunt.
FOOTNOTES:
[2424] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. See note (I).
King Lear's palace.] A Palace. Rowe. The King's Palace. Theobald. A State-room in King Lear's Palace. Capell.
Edmund.] F₄. Edmond. F₁ F₂ F₃. Bastard. Qq.
[2425] Kent. I ... coming.] Spurious, according to Seymour.
[2426] I thought ... moiety.] Verse, S. Walker conj., ending the lines Duke ... always ... division ... dukes ... pois'd ... choice ... moiety.
[2427] so] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2428] of the ... of the] O' th' ... o' th' S. Walker conj.
kingdom] F₄. kingdome F₁ F₂ F₃. kingdomes Qq.
[2429] equalities] Q₁ Q₂. qualities Ff. equalties Q₃.
weighed] pois'd So quoted by S. Walker.
[2430] to it] Qq. too't F₁ F₂. to't F₃ F₄.
[2431] sir, a son] sir a sonne Q₁ Q₂. a sonne, sir F₁ F₂. a sonne Q₃. a son, sir F₃ F₄.
year] yeares Q₃.
[2432] this, ... account:] this, ... account; Theobald. this, ... account, Qq. this; ... account, Ff.
[2433] something] somewhat F₃ F₄.
into] Q₁ Q₂. to Ff. in Q₃.
[2434] and the] and he Q₃.
[2435] noble gentleman] Q₁ Q₂ F₁. nobleman F₂ F₃ F₄. noble gentlemen Q₃.
[2436] Edm.] Ff. Bast. Qq. (and throughout).
[2437] My ... friend.] Prose in Q₁ Q₂. Two lines, the first ending Kent, in Ff. See note (II).
[2438] deserving] your deserving Pope.
[2439] again.] again. [Trumpets sound, within. Theobald.
[2440] Sennet.] Ff. Sound a Sennet, Q₁ Q₂. Sunday a Cornet, Q₃.
Enter one bearing a coronet, King ... Attendants.] Enter King ... Attendants. Ff. Enter one bearing a Coronet, then Lear, then the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall, next Gonorill, Regan, Cordelia, with followers. Qq.
[2441] SCENE II. Pope.
the lords] Ff. my lords Qq.
Gloucester] om. Pope.
[2442] my liege] Q₁ Q₃. my leige Q₂. my Lord Ff.
[Exeunt....] Capell. Exit. Ff. om. Qq.
[2443] shall] F₃ F₄. shal F₁ F₂. will Qq.
darker] dark Q₃.
purpose] Ff. purposes Qq.
[2444] Give ... there.] F₁ F₂. The map there; Qq. Give me the map here. F₃ F₄.
Know] Qq. Know, that Ff.
[2445] In] Into F₄.
our] om. Q₃.
fast] Ff. first Qq. om. Pope. See note (III).
[2446] from our age] Ff. of our state Qq.
[2447] Conferring] Ff. Confirming Qq.
strengths,] Ff. yeares, Qq.
[2448] while we ... now.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2449] loving son] lov'd Seymour conj.
[2450] daughters'] Capell. daughters F₁ F₂. daughter's F₃ F₄.
[2451] now] om. Hanmer.
The princes] Ff. The two great princes Qq. om. Seymour conj.
[2452] youngest] Q₁ Q₂ yongest F₁ Q₃. yonger F₂. younger F₃ F₄.
[2453] Tell me, my] Tell my F₃ F₄. Tell me, Pope.
[2454] Since ... state,] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2455] cares] and cares Hanmer.
[2456] Where ... challenge.] Ff. Where merit doth most challenge it: Qq, ending the line at it. Capell, reading with Qq, divides the lines as Ff.
[2457] Our ... more] As one line, S. Walker conj.
[2458] Sir,] Put in a line by itself, Johnson. Erased in Collier MS.
Sir, I love] Sir, I Do love Steevens, ending line 52 at I.
Sir, I ... matter,] I love you sir, Pope. Sir, I do love you Far more ... matter: love you Capell.
I love] Ff. I do love Qq.
words] Qq. word Ff.
wield] Q₁ Q₃ F₄. weild Q₂ F₁ F₂ F₃. yield Capell conj.
[2459] and] Ff. or Qq.
[2460] much as] Ff. much a Qq.
e'er] e're F₃ F₄. ere Q₁ Q₂ F₁ F₂. eare Q₃.
found] Ff. friend Qq.
[2461] manner of so] manner. So Becket conj.
[2462] [Aside] Pope. om. Qq Ff.
do?] Pope. do, Qq. speake? F₁ F₂. speak? F₃ F₄.
[2463] shadowy] Ff. shady Qq.
[2464] and with ... rivers] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2465] champains] F₁. champions F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2466] Albany's] F₄. Albanies Q₁ F₁ F₂. Albaines Q₂. Albaenids Q₃. Albanie's F₃.
issue] Qq. issues Ff.
[2467] What says] om. Seymour conj.
[2468] wife to] Q₁ Q₂. wife of Ff Q₃.
Cornwall? Speak.] Pope. Cornwall, speake. Q₁ Q₃. Cornwell, speake? Q₂. Cornwall? Ff (omitting Speak).
[2469] I am] Ff. Sir I am Qq. I'm Pope. Sir, I'm Dyce, ed. 2, putting Sir in a separate line.
that self metal] that selfe-mettle F₁ F₂. that self-metal F₃ F₄. the selfe-same mettall Q₁. the selfe same mettall Q₂. the selfe-same mettell Q₃.
as my sister] Ff. that my sister is Qq.
[2470] me] you Mason conj.
worth. In ... heart] worth. In ... heart, Ff. worth in ... heart, Qq. worth, in ... heart. Theobald (Bishop conj.) worth, in ... heart Tyrwhitt conj.
[2471] I find ... joys,] Three lines in Ff. Two, the first ending short, in Qq.
[2472] comes too short] Ff. came short Qq.
short:] Theobald. short, Qq Ff.
that] in that Keightley.
[2473] precious square] precious spirit Hanmer. spacious sphere Singer (ed. 2). precious sphere Collier (Collier MS.) spacious square Keightley (Grant White conj. withdrawn).
sense] sense' Smith apud Grey conj.
possesses] Qq. professes Ff.
precious treasure Bailey conj.
[2474] And ... love.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2475] alone] all one Q₃.
[2476] [Aside] Pope. om Qq Ff.
[2477] Then ... tongue.] As in Ff. Two lines, the first ending sure, in Qq.
[2478] Cordelia] Cord. Q₂.
[2479] love's] Q₁ Ff Q₃. loves Q₂.
[2480] love's ... tongue.] love, ... tongue, outvalues theirs. Seymour conj.
[2481] ponderous] Ff. richer Qq. plenteous Collier MS. precious Grant White conj.
my tongue] their tongue Warburton conj.
[2482] conferr'd] Ff. confirm'd Qq.
[2483] See note (IV).
[2484] Now] Ff. but now Qq.
[2485] the last, not] Qq. our last and Ff. our last, not Pope.
least, ... love] least; ... love, Ff. least in our deere love, Qq. least; in whose young love Hanmer.
[2486] interess'd] Malone. interest Ff. int'ress'd Theobald.
can you say] say you Pope.
draw] Ff. win Qq.
[2487] opulent] opilent F₁.
[2488] Lear. Nothing! Cor. Nothing.] Omitted in Qq. Lear. How! Cor. Nothing. Capell.
[2489] Nothing will come] Ff. How, nothing can come Qq.
[2490] Unhappy ... less] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2491] heave] have Q₃.
[2492] nor more] Qq. no more Ff.
[2493] How, how, Cordelia!] Go too, go too, Q₁ Q₃. Goe to, goe to, Q₂.
mend] mend me Capell, reading with Qq.
[2494] it] Qq. you Ff.
[2495] begot] bgot Q₁ (Cap.)
[2496] I ... fit,] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.
[2497] are] is Keightley.
[2498] Why ... all?] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2499] Haply] Q₁ Q₃. Happely Q₂. Happily Ff.
[2500] Haply ... never] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending hand ... him, ... never, in Qq.
[2501] marry] Matry Q₁ (Cap.) Mary Q₂.
[2502] marry ... all.] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Qq.
[2503] To ... all.] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[2504] thy heart with this?] Ff. this with thy heart! Qq (tis Q₃).
Ay, good my] I good my Q₁ Q₂. I goe my Q₃. I my good Ff.
[2505] Let] Ff. Well let Qq.
thy truth] the truth F₃ F₄.
[2506] mysteries] F₂ F₃ F₄. mistresse Qq. miseries F₁.
Hecate] F₃ F₄. Heccat Qq F₁. Hecat F₂.
night] Ff. might Qq.
[2507] operation] Qq F₁. operations F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2508] this] this tyme Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
ever. The] Ff. ever, the Qq.
barbarous] barbarious Q₃.
[2509] Or ... appetite,] Arranged as in Ff. Two lines, the first ending generation, in Qq.
[2510] shall to my bosom Be] Ff. Shall be Q₁ Q₃. Shall bee Q₂.
[2511] liege,--] liege-- Rowe. liege. Qq Ff.
[2512] Peace ... wrath.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
Peace, Kent!... between] Peace,--come not 'tween Seymour conj.
[2513] and] om. Pope.
[To Cor. Rowe. To Kent. Heath conj.
[2514] Burgundy.] Burgundy-- Rowe. Burgundy, Qq Ff.
[Exit an Att. Capell. Exit Edmund. Capell conj. MS.
[2515] daughters' dowers] Warburton. daughters dowres F₁ F₃ F₄. daughters dower Qq. daughters, dowres F₂.
this] Qq. the Ff.
[2516] with] Ff. in Qq.
[2517] Pre-eminence] Malone. Preheminence Qq Ff.
[2518] Ourself] We Seymour conj.
[2519] turns] turnes Qq. turne F₁ F₂. turn F₃ F₄.
we still] Qq. we shall Ff. om. Pope. we Capell.
[2520] The name ... rest,] As in Qq. The first line ends sway, in Ff. Three lines, ending king; ... sway, ... rest, in Steevens (1793).
[2521] name, and ... king;] name; but ... king, Theobald conj. (withdrawn).
and all] om. Capell, reading The name ... sway, as one line.
additions] Qq. addition Ff.
[2522] of the rest] om. Pope. office Theobald conj. (withdrawn). of th' hest Warburton. and the rest Capell. interest Heath conj. all the rest Jennens conj. [offers it. (a stage direction) Anon. conj.
[2523] betwixt] Qq. betweene F₁ F₂. between F₃ F₄.
[Giving the crown. Pope.
[in Action of preventing him. Capell.
[2524] my king] a king F₄.
[2525] follow'd] Ff. followed Qq.
[2526] As my great] Qq F₁ As my F₂ F₃ F₄. And as my Rowe.
prayers,--] prayers-- Rowe. praiers. Q₁ Q₃ F₁ F₂. prayers. Q₂ F₃ F₄.
[2527] Let it ... hollowness] As in Ff (except line 146). The lines end rather, ... heart, ... mad ... duty ... bowes, folly, ... consideration ... life, ... least, ... sound ... hollownesse in Qq.
[2528] mad] man Q₂.
wouldst] F₄. wouldest F₁ F₂ F₃. wilt Qq.
[2529] When ... bound,] One line in Johnson. Two in Ff.
honour's] Ff. honours Qq. honour Is Pope.
[2530] stoops to folly] Qq. falls to folly Ff. to folly falls Pope, ending the lines honour ... falls.
folly.] Johnson, folly; Rowe. folly, Qq Ff.
Reverse thy doom] Qq. reserve thy state Ff.
[2531] And ... consideration] with better judgment Pope, reading Reserve ... check as one line.
[2532] answer ... judgement] with my life I answer Pope.
[2533] sound Reverbs] Qq. sounds Reverbe Ff.
[2534] Kent,] om. Seymour conj.
thy life] my life F₃ F₄.
[2535] as a] as F₁
[2536] thy] Qq. thine Ff.
enemies] foes Pope.
nor] Qq. nere F₁ F₂. ne're F₃. ne'er F₄.
[2537] the motive] Qq. motive Ff.
[2538] Now ... vain.] As in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2539] Apollo,--] Apollo-- Q₁ Q₃. Appollo, Q₂. Apollo, F₁ Apollo. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2540] swear'st] swearest Q₂ Q₃.
O, vassal! miscreant!] O vassal! miscreant. Ff. Vassall, recreant. Qq. O, vassal! recreant! Collier.
[Laying....] Rowe. om. Qq Ff. In Action of drawing his Sword. Capell.
[2541] Alb. Corn. Dear sir, forbear.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2542] Do] Qq. om. Ff. Put in a separate line first by Steevens (1793).
[2543] Kill ... evil.] Divided as in Ff. The lines end physition, ... disease, ... clamour ... evill in Qq.
[2544] the fee] Qq. thy fee Ff.
[2545] Upon the] Upon thy Capell.
thy doom] thy doome Qq. thy gift Ff (guift F₁). the gift Rowe (ed. 2).
[2546] Hear ... me!] Arranged as by Capell. One line in Qq Ff.
[2547] recreant] Ff. om. Qq.
[2548] On thy ... me!] Omitted by Pope.
thy] Qq. thine Ff.
[2549] Since] Qq. That Ff.
vow] Qq. vowes Ff.
[2550] strain'd] Ff. straied Qq.
[2551] between] Q₃. betweene Q₁ Q₂. betwixt Ff.
sentence] sentences F₁.
[2552] Our ... made] Nor ... make Heath conj. Or ... make Johnson conj. Make we our potency Becket conj.
made] Q₂ Ff. make Q₁ Q₃.
[2553] Five] Ff. Foure Qq.
[2554] diseases] Q₁ Q₂. disasters Ff. defeases Q₃.
[2555] sixth] F₄. sixt F₁ F₂ F₃. fift Qq.
[2556] on] Q₁ Q₂ F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄. one Q₃.
tenth] seventh Collier (Collier MS.)
[2557] The ... Away!] That ... Away--begone! Seymour conj., ending the line begone!
death. Away! By] death: away. By Pope, death, away, By Q₁ Q₃ (ending the line away). death, away, by Q₂ (ending the line Jupiter). death, away. By Ff.
[2558] Fare] Ff. Why fare Qq.
sith thus] Ff. since thus Q₂. since Q₁ Q₃.
[2559] Freedom] Ff. Friendship Qq.
[2560] [To Cordelia] Hanmer. om. Qq Ff.
dear shelter] Ff. protection Qq.
thee, maid] F₄. thee maid F₁ F₂ F₃. the maid Q₁ Q₃. the maide Q₂.
[2561] justly] Ff. rightly Qq.
think'st] F₁ F₂ F₃. thinkes Q₁. thinks Q₂ Q₃ F₄.
hast] Q₂ Ff. hath Q₁ Q₃.
rightly] Ff. justly Qq.
[2562] [To Regan....] To Gon. and Regan. Hanmer. om. Qq Ff.
your large speeches] you, large speechers, Capell.
[2563] course] corse Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LX. 402).
[2564] Flourish.] F₁. om. Qq F₂ F₃ F₄.
Re-enter....] Capell. Enter France and Burgundy with Glocester. Qq (Burgundie Q₂. Gloster Q₂). Enter Gloster with France, and Burgundy, Attendants. Ff.
[2565] SCENE III. Pope.
Glou.] Glo. Q₁ Q₃. Glost. Q₂. Cor. Ff.
[2566] My ... love?] Arranged as in Ff. Four lines, ending you, ... daughter, ... present ... love? in Qq.
[2567] My] They are welcome both: my Seymour conj.
lord] L. Q₂.
[2568] towards] Qq. toward Ff.
this] Ff. a Qq.
[2569] Hath] Have Pope.
in the least] at least Pope. is the least Long MS.
[2570] Most] Ff. om. Qq.
[2571] royal ... less.] Divided as in Ff. Two lines, the first ending what, in Qq.
[2572] what] Qq F₃ F₄. hath F₁ F₂.
offer'd] Ff. offered Qq.
[2573] less.] F₄. lesse? Qq F₁ F₂. less? F₃.
[2574] Right ... pieced,] Arranged as in Ff. Four lines, ending us, ... fallen; ... little ... peec'st, in Qq.
[2575] did hold] Qq F₁. held F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2576] price] prise Q₂.
fall'n] F₃ F₄. fallen Qq F₁ F₂.
[2577] little seeming] little, seeming, Capell. little, seeming Steevens (1778). little-seeming S. Walker conj.
[2578] with our] without Q₃.
pieced] peec'st Qq. piec'd Ff. pierc'd Pope.
[2579] more] Ff. else Qq.
[2580] Will] Ff. Sir, will Q₁ Q₃. Sir will Q₂.
[2581] Dower'd] Dow'rd F₁. Dowr'd F₂ F₃ F₄. Couered Q₁ Q₂. Covered Q₃.
[2582] her?] Rowe. her. Qq Ff.
[2583] Pardon ... conditions.] Divided as in Ff. The first line ends at up in Qq.
[2584] me] om. Pope.
[2585] makes not up on] mates not upon Jackson conj.
up on] Qq. up in Ff. upon Mason conj.
[2586] [To France] Pope. om. Qq Ff.
[2587] worthier] worthy Pope.
[2588] This ... degree] Arranged as in Ff. Six lines, ending now ... praise, ... deerest, ... thing ... favour, ... degree, in Qq.
[2589] she, that] Q₂. she that Q₁ Q₃. she whom F₁. she who F₂ F₃ F₄.
best] Qq F₂ F₃ F₄. om. F₁. blest Collier (Collier MS.)
[2590] The ... praise] Your praise's argument Pope.
[2591] Most best, most] Qq. The best, the Ff.
Most ... dearest] Dearest and best Pope.
[2592] her offence] th' offence Pope.
[2593] That monsters it] As monstrous is Rowe. As monsters it Hanmer. That masters it Becket conj. That man starts at Jackson conj., reading the rest with Johnson conj.
or] ere Theobald conj. (withdrawn). your] Ff. you Qq.
fore-vouchd] fore-voucht Ff. for voucht Qq.
affection] Ff. affections Qq.
[2594] or ... Falln] or your fore-vouchd affection Could not fall Rowe. or you for vouch'd affection Fall Johnson conj.
[2595] Falln] Falne Q₁ Q₂. Falen Q₃. Fall Ff. Could not fall Rowe. Falls Johnson conj. See note (VI).
[2596] reason without miracle Could] reason without A miracle should Hanmer. without miracle, Reason could Seymour conj.
[2597] Could] Qq. Should Ff.
plant] Q₂ Ff. plaint Q₁ Q₃.
majesty,--] A full stop in F₁; comma in the rest.
[2598] majesty,--If for] majesty If (for Pope. majesty, (if so Hanmer, ending the lines so ... speak.
[2599] If for] Seeing Capell conj.
[2600] well] Qq. will Ff.
[2601] make known] Ff. may know Qq. May know [To France. Jennens.
[2602] murder, or] Q₁. murder or Q₂. murther, or Ff Q₃. nor other Singer, ed. 2 (Collier MS.), umber, or S. Walker conj. misdeed or Keightley. no slur, or Cartwright conj.
burden, or Bailey conj.
[2603] unchaste] Ff. uncleane Qq.
dishonourd] dishonord Q₂. dishonored F₂. dishonoured The rest.
step] stoop Collier (Collier MS.)
[2604] grace and] graces Anon. conj.
[2605] for want] the want Hanmer.
I am] Im Pope.
richer] Ff. rich Qq.
[2606] still-soliciting] Hyphen inserted by Theobald.
[2607] As] Qq. That Ff.
I have not] I've not Pope.
[2608] Better] Ff. Go to, goe to, better Q₁. Goe to, goe to, better Q₂. Go to, go to, better Q₃.
[2609] Better ... better.] Divided as by Pope. The first line ends borne, in Qq, at hadst, in Ff. Capell, reading with Ff, divides as Qq.
[2610] to have] Qq. t have F₁. t' have F₂ F₃ F₄. have Pope.
[2611] but this] Ff. no more but this Qq.
[2612] Which] Ff. That Qq.
[2613] Which ... stand] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending do, ... lady?... stands, in Qq.
[2614] to do] om. Seymour conj.
[2615] Love's] Ff. Love is Qq.
[2616] regards that stand] Pope. respects that stands Qq. regards, that stands Ff. regards, and stands Capell.
[2617] the] Qq. th' Ff.]
point. Will] Steevens. point, will Q₁ Ff Q₃. point wil Q₂. point. Say will Pope.
[2618] a dowry] Ff. and dower Q₁ Q₃. and dowre Q₂.
[2619] Royal ... Burgundy.] Divided as in Ff. Three lines, ending portion ... lake ... Burgundy, in Q₁ Q₃. Three lines, ending portion ... Cordelia ... Burgundie, in Q₂.
[2620] Lear] Q₁ Q₃. Leir Q₂. King Ff.
[2621] I have sworn; I am firm.] Ff (substantially). I have sworne. Qq. I've sworn. Pope. I've sworn; I'm firm. Anon. conj.
[2622] I am] I'm Pope.
[2623] Peace ... wife.] Arranged as in Ff. Two lines, the first ending respects, in Qq.
[2624] Burgundy] Burguny F₂.
[2625] respects of fortune] respects Of fortune Qq. respect and fortunes Ff.
[2626] that] thou Hanmer.
[2627] seize] cease Q₂.
[2628] Be it] Be't Pope.
[2629] cold'st] couldst Q₂. cold Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
[2630] my chance] Ff. thy chance Qq. the chance Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
[2631] of] Ff. in Qq.
[2632] Can] Ff. Shall Qq.
[2633] unkind] unkinn'd Staunton conj.
[2634] unkind: Thou] unkinde, Thou Ff. unkinde Thou Qq.
[2635] for we ... see] Divided as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2636] [To Cor. Anon. conj.
[2637] Without ... Burgundy.] Divided as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2638] our love] without our love Johnson conj.
[2639] [Flourish.] Ff. om. Qq.
Exeunt....] Exit Lear and Burgundy. Qq. Exeunt. Ff. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, Cornwal, Albany, Gloster, and Attendants. Capell.
[2640] SCENE IV. Pope.
sisters.] sisters? Q₂.
[2641] The jewels] Ye jewels Rowe (ed. 2).
[2642] The ... father:] Arranged as in Ff. Four lines, ending father, ... are, ... faults ... father, in Qq.
[2643] you what] what Rowe (ed. 2).
[2644] Use] Qq. Love Ff.
[2645] professed] professing Pope.
[2646] prefer] perfer F₂.
[2647] Reg.... Gon.] Ff. Gonorill ... Regan. Qq.
duties] Qq. dutie F₁. duty F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2648] Let ... scanted,] Arranged as in Ff. Three lines, ending lord, ... almes, ... scanted, in Qq.
[2649] At] As Capell.
[2650] worth ... wanted] Ff. worth the worth that you have wanted Qq. worthy to want that you have wanted Hanmer. worth the want that you have vaunted Warburton. worth the want that you have wasted Heath conj. worth to want the worth that you have wanted Capell. worth to want that you have wanted Eccles conj. worth the wit that you have wanted Jackson conj. worthy want that worth have wanted Badham conj.
[2651] plaited] Pope (ed. 2). pleated Q₁ Q₂. pleeted Q₃. plighted Ff. pleached Theobald conj. (withdrawn). plated Malone conj. (withdrawn).
[2652] cover] Steevens. covers Qq. Ff. cover'd Hanmer, reading the rest of the line as Ff. covert Rann (Mason conj.), reading the rest as Ff.
cover faults, at] cover-faults at Singer (ed. 2), reading the rest as Ff.
shame them derides] Qq. with shame derides Ff. their shame derides Anon. conj.
[2653] my] Ff. om. Qq.
[Exeunt....] F₃ F₄. Exit.... Qq F₁ F₂.
[2654] SCENE V. Pope.
[2655] Sister ... to-night.] Prose in Capell. Three lines, ending say, ... both ... to night, in Qq Ff.
[2656] a little I have] Qq. little I have Ff. little I've Pope.
most] om. Capell conj.
[2657] hence] go hence Rowe.
[2658] most] om. Pope, reading as verse.
[2659] is; the] is the Q₂.
[2660] hath not been] Qq. hath beene Ff.
[2661] too] Qq F₁. too too F₂ F₃ F₄.
gross'y] grossely Ff. grosse Qq.
[2662] to receive from his age] Qq. from his age, to receive Ff.
[2663] imperfections] Ff. imperfection Qq.
ingrafted] Qq. ingraffed F₁ F₂. engraffed F₃ F₄.
[2664] the] Ff. om. Qq.
[2665] starts] Q₂ Ff. stars Q₁ Q₃.
[2666] There is] Then his Anon. conj.
compliment] complement Qq Ff. the compliment Anon. conj.
[2667] France] Burgundy Hanmer.
Pray you] Ff. Pray Qq.
let's hit] lets hit Qq. let us sit Ff. let us hit Theobald.
[2668] authority with] authority, with Hanmer.
dispositions] Qq. disposition Ff.
[2669] on't] Qq. of it Ff.
[2670] SCENE II.] om. Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope. The whole scene is transferred to the beginning of ACT II. by Eccles.
The ... castle.] A Castle belonging to the Earl of Glo'ster. Pope. A Hall in the Earl of Gloster's Castle. Capell.
Enter ... letter.] Theobald. Enter Bastard solus. Qq. Enter Bastard. Ff.
[2671] Thou ... news?] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2672] in] to Hanmer.
plague] plage Warburton. place Simpson conj.
[2673] curiosity] nicety Pope. curtesie Theobald (Thirlby conj.)
[2674] Why ... base?] and why bastard? base? Hanmer.
[2675] dimensions] Ff. dementions Qq.
[2676] As ... base?] Arranged as in Ff. Jennens, reading as Qq, ends the lines issue?... bastardy?
[2677] With ... base?] _With Base? With basenes Bastardie? Base, Base?_ F₁ and substantially F₂ F₃ F₄. with base, base bastardy? Qq (bastardie? Q₂).
[2678] dull, stale] Ff. stale dull Qq.
tired] tyred Ff. lied Q₁ Q₃. lyed Q₂.
[2679] the creating] th' creating Ff. the creating of Qq. creating Pope.
[2680] 'tween asleep] atween sleep Dodd conj.
asleep] a-sleep Pope. a sleepe Q₂ F₁ F₂ a sleep F₃ F₄ sleepe Q₁. sleep Q₃.
then,] Ff the Qq then, good brother, Hanmer.
[2681] fine word, 'legitimate!'] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2682] top the] Capell. tooth' Qq. to' th' F₁ F₂. to th' F₃ F₄. be th' Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). toe th' Hanmer. out th' or rout th' Jennens conj. foe the Mason conj.
legitimate.] legitimate: Qq Ff. legitimate-- Rowe, reading to th' with F₃ F₄.
[2683] SCENE VII. Pope.
[2684] Kent ... gad!] Put in the margin by Eccles.
[2685] subscribed] subscrib'd Q₁ Q₃. subscribd Q₂. Perscrib'd Ff.
[2686] this done] Q₁ F₁ Q₃. this donne Q₂. this gone F₂ F₃ F₄. is gone Pope.
[2687] [Putting....] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2688] Why] Whe F₂.
[2689] needed] Ff. needs Q₁ Q₃. needes Q₂.
terrible] terribe Q₂.
[2690] hide] hid Q₃.
[2691] Edm.] Bast. Q₁ Ff Q₃. Ba. Q₂. (Cap. Dev. Mus. per. and Bodl. 1, 2). om. Q₂ (Mus. imp.)
[2692] and] Ff. om. Qq.
[2693] o'er-looking] ore-looking Ff. liking Qq. overlooking Warburton.
[2694] I ... blame.] Prose in Qq Three lines ending it: ... them ... blame, in Ff.
[2695] to blame] Q₃ F₃ F₄. too blame Q₁ Q₂ F₁ F₂.
[2696] essay or taste] assay or test Johnson conj.
[2697] [Reads] Ff. A Letter. Qq.
and reverence] Ff. Omitted in Qq. in reverence Hanmer.
age] ages Pope (ed. 2).
[2698] to the best] to best F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2699] who] which Rowe.
[2700] Sleep] F₃ F₄. sleepe F₁ F₂. slept Qq.]
waked] wakt Qq. wake Ff.
[2701] brain] a brain Rowe.
[2702] this to you] Qq F₃ F₄. you to this F₁ F₂.
[2703] were his ... were not.] was his ... is not. Seymour conj.
[2704] his ... respect of] his but in respect, of Q₂.
[2705] It is his.] Ff. It is his? Q₂. Is it his? Q₁ Q₃.
[2706] but] Qq F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2707] Hath] Qq. Has Ff.
heretofore] Qq. before Ff.
[2708] heard him oft] Ff. often heard him Qq.
[2709] at] being at Hanmer.
perfect] perfit Q₁.
declining] Qq. declin'd F₁ F₃ F₄. declind F₂.
[2710] the father] Ff. his father Qq.
as ward] as a ward Q₃.
[2711] his] Ff. the Qq.
[2712] sirrah] Ff. sir Qq.
ay,] I, Q₁ Q₃. I Q₂. Ile F₁ F₂. I'le F₃ F₄. om. Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
[2713] lord] L. F₁ F₂.
[2714] his] Ff. this Qq.
[2715] should] Q₂ Ff (shold F₁). shal Q₁. shall Q₃.
[2716] own] om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2717] that] Ff. om. Qq.
[2718] wrote] Qq. writ Ff.
[2719] further] Qq. om. Ff.
[2720] auricular] Ff. aurigular Qq.
[2721] monster--] Dyce. monster. Qq Ff.
[2722] Edm. Nor ... earth!] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[2723] me] you Johnson conj. (withdrawn).
[2724] him, I pray you: frame] Ff. him, I pray you frame Qq.
the] Ff. your Qq.
[2725] will] Ff. shall Qq.
[2726] find] Ff. see Qq.
[2727] eclipses] elipses F₂.
[2728] moon] the moon Capell conj.
[2729] the wisdom of nature] your wisdom Lettsom conj.
nature] mankind Hanmer. man Keightley (Lettsom conj.)
it] Ff. om. Qq.
[2730] sequent] frequent Theobald.
[2731] discord] Ff. discords Qq.
in palaces] pallaces Q₁ Q₂. pallcies Q₃.
[2732] treason] treasons Qq.
and the bond] Ff. the bond Qq.
'twixt] Ff. betweene Qq.
[2733] This villain ... graves.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2734] villain] villanie Q₃.
[2735] honesty] Ff. honest Qq.
'Tis strange] Ff. strange, strange! Q₁. Strange strange! Q₂. Straing, strange! Q₃.
[Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.
[2736] SCENE VIII. Pope.
[2737] surfeit] Q₂. surfet Q₁ Q₃. surfets F₁ F₂ F₃. surfeits F₄. forfeit Collier conj.
[2738] the stars] Qq. starres F₁ F₂ F₃. stars F₄.
by] Qq. on Ff.
[2739] treachers] Ff. trecherers Qq. treacherous Pope.
[2740] spherical] F₃ F₄. sphericall F₁. sphæricall F₂. spirituall Qq.
[2741] disposition to] Qq. disposition on Ff.
to the charge] on the charge Pope, on the change Warburton.
a star] F₃ F₄. a starre F₁ F₂. stars Q₁. starres Q₂. hars Q₃.
[2742] lecherous] treacherous Theobald conj. (withdrawn).]
Tut] Steevens. Fut Q₁ Q₂. But Q₃. om. Ff.
that] what Pope.
[2743] maidenliest] F₃ F₄. maidenlest Q₁ Q₂ F₁ F₂. maidenleast Q₃.
in] Ff. of Qq.
bastardizing] Ff. bastardy Qq.
[2744] Edgar-- ... And pat] Steevens (1778). Edgar, Enter Edgar. & out Q₁ Q₃. Edgar; and out Q₂ (Enter Edgar, in margin). Enter Edgar. Pat: Ff. Enter Edgar. Edgar! Pat; Capell. _Edgar--_Enter Edgar. Pat!-- Steevens (1773).
[2745] Edgar-- ... divisions!] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.
[2746] SCENE IX. Pope.
[2747] my cue] Ff. mine Qq.
sigh] sighe F₁. sith Q₂.
Tom o'] Ff. them of Qq.
[2748] do portend] portent Q₃. portend Pope.
[2749] fa, ... mi.] fa, ... me. Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2750] [Humming. Hanmer.
[2751] about] Qq. with Ff.
[2752] you] Qq F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
writ] Qq. writes Ff.
[2753] as of ... Come, come;] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[2754] amities] Q₂. armies Q₁ Q₃.
[2755] cohorts] Qq. courts Steevens 1773 (as misquoted by Johnson in note). comforts Jennens.
[2756] Why, the] Q₂. Why the Q₁ Q₃. The Ff.
[2757] Ay,] I, Ff. om. Qq.
[2758] or] Qq. nor Ff.
[2759] may] om. F₃ F₄.
[2760] till] Qq. untill F₁ F₂. until F₃ F₄.
[2761] with] without Hanmer. but with Johnson conj.
[2762] person] parson Q₂.
scarcely] Ff. scarse Q₁ Q₃. scarce Q₂.
[2763] fear ... Edm. Brother,] Ff. feare brother, Qq (omitting the rest).
[2764] pray ye] pray you Rowe.
[2765] go armed] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[2766] towards] Qq. toward Ff.
[2767] heard; but faintly,] heard, but faintly, Qq. heard: But faintly. Ff. heard, but faintly; Pope.
[2768] SCENE X. Pope.
I do] I Pope. I'll Heath conj.
[Exit Edgar.] Exit Fdgar. Q₂. Exit Edgar. Q₁ Q₃ (after line 167). Exit. Ff (after line 167).
[2769] All with me's] All's with me Capell conj.
[2770] SCENE III.] SCENE II. Rowe and Eccles. SCENE XI. Pope.
The ...] Rowe. A room in the ... Capell.
Oswald, her Steward.] Collier, a Gentleman. Q₁ Q₃. Gentleman. Q₂. Steward. Ff.
[2771] Osw.] Collier. Gent. Qq. Ste. F₁ Stew. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2772] Yes] Qq. I Ff. Ay Rowe.
[2773] night] Qq. night, Ff. night! Capell.
[2774] every ... other,] Divided as in Ff. One line in Qq.
[2775] upbraids] obrayds Q₂.
[2776] trifle. When] Ff. trifle when Qq (trifell Q₂).
[2777] [Horns within.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[2778] Put on ... one,] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2779] weary] wary Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LX. 402).
[2780] fellows] F₃ F₄. fellowes F₁ F₂. fellow-servants Q₁ Q₃. fellow servants Q₂.
to] Ff. in Qq.
[2781] distaste] Ff. dislike Qq.
our] Qq. my Ff.
[2782] Not to be ... abused.] Verse first by Theobald. Prose in Qq. Omitted in Ff, Rowe, Pope and Hanmer.
[2783] fools] folks Warburton.
[2784] checks ... abused] checks; as flatteries, when they are seen, are abus'd Keightley.
as ... abused] Qq. like flatt'rers when they're seen t' abuse us. Theobald. as flatteries, when they are seen abuses. or as flatteries when they are seen t' abuse us. Theobald conj. (withdrawn). not flatt'ries when they're seen abused. Warburton. by flatteries when they're seen abused. Jennens. of flatteries when they're seen abused. Badham conj. Halliwell supposes that a line is omitted.
[2785] tell you] Qq. have said Ff. have said to you Keightley.
Very well] Qq. Well Ff.
[2786] And let ... so:] As in Capell. Verse first by Hanmer. Prose in Qq Ff.
[2787] advise] and advise Hanmer, ending the line advise.
[2788] I would ... speak:] As in Capell. Prose in Qq. Omitted in Ff, and subsequent editions down to Johnson's.
[2789] I'll ... dinner.] As in Hanmer. Prose in Qq Ff.
[2790] very] Qq. om. Ff.
[Exeunt.] Qq. Exit. Ff.
Prepare] Ff. goe prepare Q₁ Q₂. go prepare Q₃. Go and prepare Hanmer.
dinner] dinner now Keightley.
[2791] SCENE IV.] Rowe continues the scene. SCENE XII. Pope. SCENE III. Eccles.
A hall in the same.] Malone. An outer Hall in the same. Capell. An open Place before the Palace. Theobald.
Enter Kent, disguised.] Rowe. Enter Kent. Qq Ff.
[2792] If ... labours.] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2793] well] will F₁.
[2794] That ... defuse] Qq Ff. And ... disuse Rowe. And ... diffuse Theobald. That ... deface Capell. That ... diffuse Steevens. That ... disuse Long MS. That ... disguise Jennens conj. That ... defeat Anon. conj.
[2795] razed] raz'd Q₂. raizd Q₁ Q₃. raiz'd F₁ F₂. rais'd F₃ F₄.
Now] om. Pope.
[2796] So ... come,] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2797] thee full] the full Q₁ Q₂.
labours] Ff. labour Qq.
Horns within.] Omitted in Qq.
Knights, and Attendants.] Rowe. and Attendants. Ff. Omitted in Qq. Gentleman, Knights, and Attendants. Capell.
[2798] [Exit an Attendant.] To an Attendant, who goes out. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[To Kent. Theobald.
[2799] and says] to say Hanmer (Warburton).
[2800] art] are F₂.
[2801] be] Qq. be'st F₁ F₃ F₄. best F₂.
he is] Qq. he's Ff.
[2802] thou art] thar't Q₂.
[2803] Who] Qq F₁. Whom F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2804] What's] What's is Q₃.
[2805] services] service Q₃.
thou] om. Q₂.
[2806] counsel] counsaile Q₁ Q₂ F₁. counsaill Q₃. counsailes F₂. counsels F₃ F₄.
[2807] sir] Ff. om. Qq.
singing] sighing Anon. conj.
[2808] thou] that F₂.
[2809] me: if ... dinner, I] me; if ... dinner, I Rowe. me, if ... dinner, I Qq Ff. me, if ... dinner. I Jennens.
[2810] from ... dinner!] from thee. Yet no dinner ho? dinner-- Hanmer.
Dinner, ho, dinner] Dinner, ho dinner Q₂.
[2811] hither] hether Q₁ Q₂.
[To an Attendant. Capell.
[Exit....] Dyce.
[2812] Enter Oswald.] Enter Steward. Capell. Enter Steward (after daughter?). Qq Ff. Enter Steward (after fool?). Johnson.
[2813] You, you,] F₃ F₄. You you F₁ F₂. You Qq.
[2814] Osw.] Collier. Steward Qq. Ste. F₁. Stew. F₂ F₃ F₄.
you,--] you-- Q₁ Ff Q₃. you, Q₂.
[Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.
[2815] clotpoll] clotpole Ff. clat-pole Qq. clodpoll Johnson.
[2816] [Exit a Knight.] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.
fool, ho?] fool? Ho! Rowe. foole? ho, Q₁ Q₃. foole, ho Q₂. foole? Ho, Ff.
[2817] world's] worlds F₂.
Re-enter Knight.] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.
[2818] Knight.] F₄. Knigh. F₁ F₂ F₃. Kent. Qq.
daughter] daughters F₁ F₂.
[2819] Knight.] F₄. Knigh. F₁ F₂ F₃. Servant. Qq.
[2820] me] om. F₃ F₄.
[2821] He] A Q₂.
[2822] of kindness] Omitted in Qq.
dependants] dependance S. Walker conj.
[2823] wronged] is wrong'd Q₁ Q₃.
[2824] mine] my F₃ F₄.
[2825] faint] fain Becket conj.
[2826] mine own] my own Rowe (ed. 2).
[2827] purpose] Ff. purport Qq.
[2828] into 't Q₂ F₂ F₃ F₄. into it Q₁ Q₃. intoo't F₁.
where's] wheres F₂.
my] Ff. this Qq.
[2829] this] these Pope.
[2830] Knight.] Ff. Servant. Qq.
[2831] well] Ff. om. Qq.
[To one Attendant. Capell.
[2832] [Exit an Attendant.] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.
[2833] [to Another. Capell.
[Exit....] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.
Re-enter Oswald.] Re-enter Steward, brought back by an Attendant. Capell (after O, line 75). Enter Steward. Ff (after sir? line 75). Omitted in Qq.
[2834] you, come ... sir] Ff. you sir, come you hither Qq. come ... sir Rowe.
[2835] I am ... pardon.] Two lines in Ff.
[2836] these] Ff. this Qq.
[2837] your pardon] Ff. you pardon me Qq.
[2838] looks] locks Becket conj.
[Striking him.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff, and Capell.
[2839] struck] Q₂. strucke Q₁ Q₃. strucken Ff.
[in Posture of defending himself. Capell.
[2840] player.] player? Hanmer.
[Tripping ... heels.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2841] I ... thee.] Two lines in Ff.
[2842] arise, away] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2843] lubber's length] lubbers length Q₂ (Cap. & Dev.) lubbers, length Q₂ (Mus. per. & imp. & Bodl. 1, 2). lubbers-length Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
[2844] tarry] tarry again Theobald (ed. 2).
go to] Omitted in Qq.
have you wisdom? so.] Theobald. have you wisedome, so. Ff. you have wisedome. Qq.
[Pushes....] Pushes the Steward out. Theobald. om. Qq Ff.
[2845] my] Ff. om. Qq.
there's] their's Q₂.
[2846] [Giving....] Capell. Giving money. Johnson. om. Qq Ff.
[2847] SCENE XIII. Pope.
[Offering....] Offering his cap. Capell. Giving his cap. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2848] Kent. Why, fool?] Kent. Why foole? Qq. Lear. Why my Boy? Ff.
[2849] Why, for] Why for Qq. Why? for Ff.
one's] on's Q₂.
that's] that is F₄.
[2850] an] Pope. & F₁. and The rest. as Warburton.
thou'lt] Ff. thou't Qq.
[2851] hath] Qq. ha's F₁. has F₂ F₃ F₄.
[2852] on's] of his Q₁ Q₃.
done] Qq. did Ff.
[2853] and two] an' two (i.e. if two) Farmer conj.
[2854] gave] give F₃ F₄.
all my] Ff. any Qq.
I'ld] I'll Rowe.
coxcombs] Q₂. coxcombes F₁. coxcombe Q₁ Q₃ F₂. coxcomb F₃ F₄.
[2855] Truth's a] Ff. Truth is, a Q₁. Truth is a Q₂ Q₃.
must to] Ff. that must to Qq.
[2856] Lady the brach] lady, the brach, Malone (Steevens). Lady oth'e brach Q₁ Q₃. Ladie oth'e brach Q₂. the Lady Brach Ff. the lady's brach Letherland conj. Lie the brach Archibald Smith conj.
[2857] gall] Ff. gull Qq.
[2858] [To Kent. Rowe.
[2859] Lear] Ken. Capell.
[2860] nuncle] unckle Q₁ Q₃. uncle Q₂.
[2861] Have ... score.] As in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2862] in-a-door] Capell. in a doore Qq. in a dore F₁ F₂. in dore F₃. in door F₄. within door Pope.
[2863] Kent.] Ff. Lear. Qq.
[2864] 'tis] F₁ F₂ F₃. om. Qq. it is F₄.
[2865] gave] give F₃ F₄.
[2866] nuncle] Ff. uncle Qq.
[2867] [To Kent] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2868] Lear. A ... teach me.] Put in the margin by Pope, who omits altogether lines 135-142. Hanmer puts lines 131-142 in the margin.
[2869] my boy] nuncle Capell.
[2870] sweet fool] Qq. sweet one Ff.
[2871] [Sings. Anon. conj.
[2872] That lord ... snatching.] Omitted in Ff.
[2873] That lord ... there.] Eight lines in Capell. Four in Qq.
[2874] Do] Or do Hanmer (in margin) and Capell. And do Grant White.
thou] thou there Edd. conj.
[2875] boy] om. Pope.
[2876] out] Qq. on't Pope.
[2877] on't: and ladies too,] Capell. on't, and lodes too, Q₁ Q₃. an't, and lodes too, Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) an't, and Ladies too, Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) on 't: nay the ladies too, Pope. on't: and the ladies too, Steevens (1773). on't, and loads too: Collier.
[2878] they will] they'll Pope.
all the fool] Q₂. all foole Q₁ Q₃
[2879] Give ... egg, nuncle] Qq. Nunckle, give me an egge Ff.
[2880] in the] Qq. i' th' F₁ F₃ F₄. ith' F₂.
[2881] crown] crownes F₁.
i' the] it'h Q₂. i' th' F₁ F₃ F₄. ith' F₂. in the Q₁ Q₃.
[2882] borest] Qq. boar'st F₁ F₂ F₃. bor'st F₄.
on thy] at'h Q₂. at thy Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
o'er] over Capell.
[2883] one] crown Johnson.
[2884] so] sooth Warburton.
[2885] [Singing] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2886] had ne'er] ne'er had Pope.
wit] Qq. grace Ff.
[2887] And] Ff. They Qq.
know not how] well may fear Collier MS.]
to] Ff. do Q₁ Q₃. doe Q₂.
[2888] When] Since when Hanmer.
[2889] ever] Qq. ere F₁ F₂. e're F₃ F₄.
[2890] mother] Qq. mothers Ff.
[2891] Then they] First printed as part of the song by Theobald. As prose in Ff.
[2892] for ... among.] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2893] fools] F₃ F₄. fooles Qq. foole F₁ F₂.
[2894] learn to lie] learne to lye Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) learne lye Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.)].
[2895] An] Knight. And Q₂ Ff. If Q₁ Q₃.
sirrah] Omitted in Qq.
[2896] thou'lt] Ff. thou wilt Qq.
[2897] sometimes] Ff. sometime Qq.
[2898] o'] Ff. of Qq.
[2899] o' both] Ff a both Qq.
i' the] i' th' Ff. in the Qq.
Here] Heare F₂.
[2900] o' the] of the Capell.
[2901] SCENE XIV. Pope.
[2902] How ... frown.] Prose in Ff. Two lines in Qq.
[2903] daughter] our daughter Keightley.
on?] Ff. on, Qq.
[2904] Methinks] Omitted in Ff.
of late] Ff. alate Qq.
[2905] frowning] Ff. frowne Qq.
now thou] Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) Ff. thou, thou Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) Q₃.
[2906] [To Gon.] Pope. om. Qq Ff.
[2907] Mum, mum:] Omitted by Pope.
[Singing. Rowe.
[2908] nor crust] Ff. neither crust Qq.
[2909] [Pointing to Lear] Johnson. Speaking to Lear. Warburton. To Kent, shewing Lear. Capell.
That's] Thou art Warburton.
shealed] shell'd Capell.
peascod] Pope (ed. 2). pescod Qq Ff.
[2910] Not ... proceeding] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2911] this] thus Johnson.
[2912] other] others Johnson.
[2913] and ... riots. Sir,] Pointed as by Capell. (not ... riots) Sir, Q₁. (not ... riots,) Sir Q₂. (not ... endur'd) riots Sir. F₁ and F₂ F₃ F₄ substantially. (not ... riots) Sir Q₃.
Sir,] om. Theobald.
[2914] had] om. Pope.
[2915] put it on] Ff. put on Qq.
[2916] which] om. Pope.
[2917] if you should ... Would] did you not ... Would or if you should ... Shall Seymour conj.
[2918] redresses] Ff. redresse Q₁ Q₃. redresse, Q₂.
[2919] Which] Ff. that Qq.
[2920] Will] Ff. must Qq.
proceeding] Ff. proceedings Qq.
[2921] know] Ff. trow Qq.
[2922] The ... young.] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Qq Ff.
[2923] it had it head] Qq. it's had it head F₁. it had its head F₂. it had it's head F₃ F₄.
by it] F₁ F₂. beit Q₁ Q₂. be it Q₃. by it's F₃ F₄.
[2924] Come, sir,] Omitted in Ff.
[2925] I ... are.] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2926] that] Qq. your Ff.
[2927] Whereof] Wherewith Jennens conj.
[2928] that ... transform] Qq. which ... transport Ff.
[2929] Doth ... am?] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2930] Doth] Qq. Do's F₁ F₃ F₄. Dos F₂.
Doth ... Lear:] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.
This] Ff. why this Qq.
[2931] Doth] Qq. Do's Ff.
[2932] notion weakens] Ff. notion, weaknesse, Q₁ Q₃. notion, weaknes Q₂.
his discernings] Ff. or his discernings Qq. or's discernings S. Walker conj.
[2933] lethargied--] Rowe. lethargied. Ff. lethergy, Q₁ Q₃. lethergie, Q₂.
lethargied--Ha! waking] lethargied or waking Edwards conj.
Ha! waking?] sleeping or waking; ha! sure Qq.
[2934] is it that] is it then Roderick conj. is't S. Walker conj.
[2935] Fool. Lear's shadow.] Pointed as in Ff. Lears shadow? Qq (continuing it to 'Lear'). Omitted by Rann. Fool. Lear's shadow,-- Singer.
[2936] Lear. I would ... father.] Steevens (1773). I would ... father. Qq. Omitted in Ff. See note (VII).
[2937] that] om. Pope.
sovereignty] substantiality Jennens.
[2938] false] fast Jennens. halfe Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
persuaded I] persuaded.--I Tyrwhitt conj. persuaded That I S. Walker conj.
[2939] Fool. Which ... father. Lear.] Omitted by Pope. See note (VII).
[2940] Which they will] Q₃. Which they, will Q₁ Q₂. Which of thee will Jennens.
[2941] This ... daughter.] Verse in Ff. Prose in Qq.
[2942] This admiration, sir,] Ff. Come sir, this admiration Qq. Come, sir; This admiration Steevens (1778).
o' the] o' th' F₁ F₃ F₄. oth' F₂. of the Qq.
savour] Q₁ Q₂ Ff. favour Q₃ and Capell.
[2943] To] Ff. om. Qq.
aright:] aright, Boswell conj., reading line 233 with Ff.
[2944] As ... you should] Q₁ Q₃. As you are old and reverend, should Q₂. As you are old, and reverend, should Ff. You, as you are old and reverend, should Rowe. You, as you're old and rev'rend, should Pope. Being old ... you should Seymour conj.
you should] om. Steevens conj.
[2945] a hundred] Ff. a 100. Q₂. one hundred Q₁ Q₃.
[2946] debosh'd] Ff. deboyst Qq. debauch'd Pope.
[2947] a riotous inn] an inn Steevens conj.
[2948] Make it more] Rowe. make more Qq. Makes it more Ff.
a brothel] a brothell Ff. brothell Qq.
[2949] graced] grac'd Ff. great Qq.
The] om. Pope.
[2950] then] Ff. thou Qq. you Anon. conj. MS. See note (V).
[2951] A little] Of fifty Pope.
[2952] remainder] Qq. remainders Ff.
[2953] Which] Ff. and Q₁ Q₃. that Q₂.
[2954] You ... betters.] Verse first in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Qq Ff.
[2955] Enter Albany.] Ff. Enter Duke. Qq.
[2956] SCENE XV. Pope. The rest of the Scene, except lines 340, 341, is prose in Qq.
Woe, ... repents,--] Woe!... repents-- Rowe. Woe, ... repents: Ff. We that too late repent's us; Q₁ Q₃. We that too late repent's, Q₂. We ... repent. Anon. conj. MS. Fool! that too late repent'st-- Jennens. Woe's him that too late repents-- Keightley. See note (V).
[To Alb.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
O, sir ... come?] Qq. Omitted in Ff, and restored by Theobald.
[2957] will?... Prepare my] Ff. will that we prepare any Qq (wee Q₂. prepar Q₃).
[2958] Than the] Than i' th' Upton conj.
[2959] Alb. Pray, sir, be patient. Lear.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2960] sir] you, sir Hanmer.
[2961] [To Gon.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[2962] liest. My train are] lessen my traine and Q₁ Q₃. list my traine, and Q₂.
[2963] worships] worship Collier MS.
name] names Rowe.
[2964] That] Qq. Which Ff.
[2965] Lear, Lear, Lear!] As in Ff. Twice in Qq.
[2966] [Striking his head.] Pope. om. Qq Ff.
[2967] dear] clear Anon. conj.
Go ... people.] Ff. Goe, goe, my people? Q₁ Q₂. Go, go; my people! Q₃. Go, go:--my people! Malone conj.
[2968] I am ... I am] I'm ... I'm Pope.
[2969] Of what ... you.] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2970] It ... fruitful!] Three lines in Malone, ending nature, hear! ... if ... fruitful!
[2971] Hear] F₃ F₄. Heare F₁ F₂ harke Qq.
nature, hear; dear] Nature! hear, dear Grant White.
hear; dear] Warburton. heare deere Qq F₁ F₂. hear dear F₃. hear, dear F₄.
hear!] om. Qq. hear a father! Pope.
[2972] derogate] degenerate Anon. MS. See note (V).
[2973] thwart] Ff. thourt Qq.
disnatured] disnatur'd Ff. disnetur'd Q₁ Q₂. disventur'd Q₃. disfeatur'd Henderson and Anon. MS. See note (V).
[2974] cadent] Ff. accent Q₁ Q₂. accient Q₃. candent Theobald (Warburton). acrid or ardent Anon. conj.
[2975] mother's pains] mother pains Becket conj.
[2976] feel] feele, that she may feele, Q₂.
[2977] Away, away!] Away, away. Ff. goe, goe, my people? Qq.
[Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.
[2978] Now ... this?] Two lines in Ff.
whereof] wherefore Johnson.
[2979] the cause] Qq. more of it F₁. of it F₂ F₃ F₄. of what Hanmer.
[2980] That] that Qq. As Ff.
dotage] fretfulness and wayward dotage Seymour conj.
Re-enter Lear.] Steevens. Enter Lear. Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[2981] What's] Ff. What is Qq.
[2982] I'll ... ashamed] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.
[To Gon.] Theobald.
[2983] which] Ff. that Qq.
[2984] Should ... thee!] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.
thee worth them. Blasts] thee worth them, Blastes Ff. the worst blasts Qq.
[2985] upon thee! The untented] upon thee: Th' untented Ff. _upon the untender_ Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) Q₃. upon the untented Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) upon the untainted Anon. conj. MS. See note (V). upon thee! The unshented Becket conj. upon thee! The indented Jackson conj.
[2986] Pierce] Ff. pierce Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) peruse Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) Q₃.
sense] fence Warburton.
thee! Old] thee. Old Ff. the olde Q₁ the old Q₂ Q₃.
[2987] this cause] Qq F₁. thee once F₂ F₃ F₄. her once Rowe.
ye] Ff. you Qq.
[2988] cast you] Ff. you cast Qq.
lose] F₃ F₄. loose F₁ F₂. make Qq.
[2989] Yea, is it come to this?] Q₁ Q₃. yea, i'st come to this? Q₂. Ha? Ff. Ha! is it come to this? Pope.
[2990] Let it be so:] Ff (ending line 298 at so). Omitted in Qq. Arranged as by Pope.
yet have I left a] Qq. I have another Ff.
[2991] Who] Ff. whom Qq.
[2992] flay] Malone. fley Q₁ Q₃. flea Q₂ Ff.
wolvish] wolfish Theobald.
[2993] thou ... thee.] Qq. Omitted in Ff.
[Exeunt....] Exeunt Lear, Kent, Gen. and Att. Capell. Exit. Qq. om. Ff. Exit Lear and Attendants. Rowe (ed. 1). Ex. Lear and Attendants. Rowe (ed. 2).
[2994] SCENE XVI. Pope.
my lord] Qq. om. Ff.
[2995] To the ... master.] As in Ff. Capell ends the lines content ... ho!... master. S. Walker would end them content.-- ... fool, ... master.
[2996] you,--] Theobald. you. Qq Ff.
[2997] Pray ... more] Ff. Come sir, no more; you, more Q₁ Q₃. Come sir no more, you, more Q₂.
[2998] content] be content Rowe.
[2999] [To the Fool] Johnson.
[3000] Nuncle ... thee] Two lines in Ff.
[3001] take] Ff. and take Qq.
[3002] with thee. A fox] with thee: A fox Ff. with a fox Qq.
[3003] buy] by F₂.
[3004] [Exit.] Ff. om. Qq.
[3005] This ... unfitness] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[3006] This ... knights!] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.
[3007] 'Tis] Is't Hanmer.
[3008] At point] Omitted by Pope.
[3009] in mercy] at mercy Pope.
[3010] too far] om. Steevens (1793).
[3011] taken] harm'd Pope.
[3012] she] F₁ F₂. she'll F₃ F₄.
[3013] unfitness,--] unfitness-- Rowe. unfitnesse. Ff.
Re-enter Oswald.] Collier. Enter Steward. Ff. om. Qq.
[3014] How now, Oswald! What] Ff. Gon. What Oswald, ho. Oswald. Heere madam. Gon. What Qq.
[3015] that] Ff. this Qq.
[3016] Yes] Qq. I Ff. Ay Rowe.
[3017] and] om. Pope.
[3018] fear] F₃ F₄. feare F₁ F₂. feares Q₁ Q₂. fears Q₃.
[3019] Get] So get Pope. Go, get Jennens.
[3020] And hasten ... lord] And hasten your returne: no, no, my lord Ff. and after your returne--now my lord Q₁ Q₃. and after your returne now my lord Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) & hasten your returne now my lord Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.)
[Exit Oswald.] Exit Steward. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[3021] milky] Ff. milkie Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) mildie Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) Q₃.
gentleness and] gentle, easy Jennens.
[3022] condemn not] Ff. dislike not Qq. condemn it not Pope.
pardon] your pardon Jennens.
[3023] You are] F₂ F₃ F₄. Your are F₁. y'are Qq.
attask'd for] attaskt for Q₂ (Bodl. 1, 2. Mus. per. and imp.) alapt Q₁ Q₂ (Cap. and Dev.) Q₃. at task for F₁ F₃ F₄ at taske for F₂. taskt for Anon. conj. See note (VIII). ajapt for Becket conj. attack'd for Collier conj.
[3024] Than] By those who judge, than Seymour conj.
praised] prais'd Ff. praise Qq.
harmful] harmless Rowe (ed. 2).
[3025] How ... well.] Verse in Q₁ Ff Q₃. Prose in Q₂.
[3026] better, oft] Ff. better ought, Qq.
[3027] then--] Q₁ Ff Q₃. then. Q₂.
[3028] the event.] Q₁ Q₃. the event, Q₂. the 'vent. Ff.
[Exeunt.] Q₂ Ff. Exit. Q₁ Q₃.
[3029] SCENE V.] SCENE XVII. Pope. SCENE IV. Eccles.
Court....] Capell. A court-yard belonging to the Duke of Albany's Palace. Theobald.
Enter Lear, Kent, and Fool.] Q₁ Q₃. Enter Lear. Q₂. Enter Lear, Kent, Gentleman, and Foole. Ff. Enter Lear, Kent, Gentlemen, and Fool. Warburton.
[3030] Lear.] Lear [to a Gentleman. Jennens.
letters.] letters.--You with this to my daughter Regan. [to Kent. Jennens.
[3031] afore] Ff. before Qq.
[3032] brains] brain Pope.
were] where Q₂.
in's] F₁. ins F₂. in his Qq F₃ F₄.
were't] Rowe. wert Qq Ff.
[3033] prithee] prethee Q₁ F₂ Q₃. prethe Q. prythee F₁ F₃ F₄.
ne'er] nere Qq. net Ff.
[3034] she's] F₁ F₃ F₄. shees Q₂. shes F₂. she is Q₁ Q₃.
crab's] crabbe is Q₁. crab is Q₂. crabb is Q₃.
[3035] can tell what] Ff. con, what Qq.
[3036] Why, ... thou] Qq. What can'st Ff.
[3037] She will] Ff. Shee'l Q₁ Sheel Q₂. She'l Q₃.
does] do's Ff. doth Qq.
[3038] Thou canst] F₁ F₂. Thou canst not Qq. canst thou F₃ F₄.
stands] stande Q₂.
i' the] in the Qq.
[3039] on's] Ff. of his Qq. of one's Pope.
[3040] one's] ones Ff. his Qq.
of] Ff. on Qq.
side's] Q₂ F₁ F₃ F₄. sides F₂. side his Q₁ Q₃. side one's Pope.
[3041] he] a Q₂.
[3042] wrong--] Theobald. wrong. Q₂ Ff. wrong! Q₁ Q₃.
[3043] shell?] Ff. shell. Qq.
[3044] put's] put his Qq.
to his] Q₂ Ff. unto his Q₁ Q₃.
[3045] daughters] Ff. daughter Qq.
[3046] 'em] them Qq.
[3047] more] Qq F₄. mo F₁ F₂. moe F₃.
[3048] eight?] Capell. eight. Qq Ff.
[3049] indeed] om. Qq.
[3050] take 't] take it Capell.
Monster] Ff. Monster, Qq.
[3051] thou wert] Qq F₁. you wert F₂. you were F₃ F₄.
[3052] till] before Qq.
[3053] O, let ... mad!] Verse by Pope. Prose in Qq Ff.
[3054] not mad] Omitted in Qq.
heaven!] Ff. heaven! I would not bee mad, Qq (be Q₂).
[3055] Enter Gentleman.] Theobald. Omitted in Qq Ff.
[3056] How now!] Omitted in Qq.
[3057] Gent.] Ff. Servant. Qq.
[3058] [Exit. Qq. Exeunt Lear, and Gentleman. Capell.
[3059] that's a] that is Qq.
[3060] unless] except Qq.
[Exeunt.] Ff. Exit. Qq. To the Audience, as he goes out. Capell.
Act II, Scene I — The Earl of Gloucester's castle.
Enter EDMUND and CURAN, meeting.[3061]
Edm. Save thee, Curan.[3062]
Cur. And you, sir. I have been with your father, and[3063][3064] given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his[3063][3065] duchess will be here with him this night.[3063][3066]
Edm. How comes that?[3062] 5
Cur. Nay, I know not. You have heard of the news abroad, I mean the whispered ones, for they are yet but[3067] ear-kissing arguments?[3068]
Edm. Not I: pray you, what are they?[3069]
Cur. Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 'twixt[3070][3071][3072] 10 the Dukes of Cornwall and Albany?[3070][3071][3073]
Edm. Not a word.[3070]
Cur. You may do then in time. Fare you well, sir. [Exit.[3074]
Edm. The duke be here to-night? The better! best![3075][3076][3077] This weaves itself perforce into my business.[3076] 15 My father hath set guard to take my brother;[3076] And I have one thing, of a queasy question,[3076][3078] Which I must act: briefness and fortune, work![3076][3079] Brother, a word; descend: brother, I say![3076]
Enter EDGAR.[3080]
My father watches: O sir, fly this place;[3076][3081] 20 Intelligence is given where you are hid;[3076] You have now the good advantage of the night:[3076][3082] Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?[3076][3083] He's coming hither, now, i' the night, i' the haste,[3076][3084] And Regan with him: have you nothing said[3076] 25 Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?[3076][3085] Advise yourself.[3076][3086]
Edg. I am sure on't, not a word.[3076]
Edm. I hear my father coming: pardon me:[3076][3087] In cunning I must draw my sword upon you:[3076][3087] Draw: seem to defend yourself: now quit you well.[3076][3088] 30 Yield: come before my father. Light, ho, here![3076][3089] Fly, brother. Torches, torches! So farewell.
[Exit Edgar.[3076][3090]
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
[Wounds his arm.[3076][3091]
Of my more fierce endeavour: I have seen drunkards[3076][3092] Do more than this in sport. Father, father![3076][3093] 35 Stop, stop! No help?[3076]
Enter GLOUCESTER, and Servants with torches.[3094]
Glou. Now, Edmund, where's the villain?[3076][3095]
Edm. Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,[3076] Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon[3076][3096] To stand 's auspicious mistress.[3076]
Glou. But where is he?[3076] 40
Edm. Look, sir, I bleed.[3076]
Glou. Where is the villain, Edmund?[3076][3097]
Edm. Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could--[3076][3098]
Glou. Pursue him, ho!--Go after. [_Exeunt some Servants._] 'By no means' what?[3076][3099]
Edm. Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;[3076] But that I told him the revenging gods[3076][3100] 45 'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend,[3076][3101] Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond[3076] The child was bound to the father; sir, in fine,[3076][3102] Seeing how loathly opposite I stood[3076] To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion[3076][3103] 50 With his prepared sword he charges home[3076] My unprovided body, lanced mine arm:[3076][3104] But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits[3076][3105] Bold in the quarrel's right, roused to the encounter,[3076][3106] Or whether gasted by the noise I made,[3076][3107] 55 Full suddenly he fled.[3076][3108]
Glou. Let him fly far:[3076] Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;[3076] And found--dispatch. The noble duke my master,[3076][3109] My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night:[3076][3110] By his authority I will proclaim it,[3076] 60 That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,[3076][3111] Bringing the murderous caitiff to the stake;[3076][3112] He that conceals him, death.[3076][3113]
Edm. When I dissuaded him from his intent[3076] And found him pight to do it, with curst speech[3076] 65 I threaten'd to discover him: he replied,[3076] 'Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think,[3076] If I would stand against thee, could the reposure[3076][3114][3115] Of any trust, virtue, or worth, in thee[3076][3114] Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should deny--[3076][3114][3116] 70 As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce[3076][3117] My very character--I'ld turn it all[3076][3118] To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice:[3076][3119] And thou must make a dullard of the world,[3076][3120] If they not thought the profits of my death[3076] 75 Were very pregnant and potential spurs[3076][3121] To make thee seek it.'[3076]
Glou. Strong and fasten'd villain![3076][3122] Would he deny his letter? I never got him.[3076][3123]
[Tucket within.
Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes.[3076][3124] All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not 'scape;[3076] 80 The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture[3076] I will send far and near, that all the kingdom[3076] May have due note of him; and of my land,[3076][3125] Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means[3076] To make thee capable.[3076] 85
Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, and Attendants.[3126]
Corn. How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,[3076][3127] Which I can call but now, I have heard strange news.[3076][3128]
Reg. If it be true, all vengeance comes too short[3076] Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?[3076][3129]
Glou. O, madam, my old heart is crack'd, is crack'd![3076][3130] 90
Reg. What, did my father's godson seek your life?[3076] He whom my father named? your Edgar?[3076][3131]
Glou. O, lady, lady, shame would have it hid![3076][3132]
Reg. Was he not companion with the riotous knights[3076][3133] That tend upon my father?[3076][3134] 95
Glou. I know not, madam: 'tis too bad, too bad.[3076][3135]
Edm. Yes, madam, he was of that consort.[3076][3136]
Reg. No marvel then, though he were ill affected: 'Tis they have put him on the old man's death, To have the waste and spoil of his revenues.[3137] 100 I have this present evening from my sister Been well inform'd of them, and with such cautions That if they come to sojourn at my house,[3138] I'll not be there.[3138]
Corn. Nor I, assure thee, Regan.[3139][3140] Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father[3139][3141] 105 A child-like office.[3139]
Edm. 'Twas my duty, sir.[3142]
Glou. He did bewray his practice, and received[3143] This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.
Corn. Is he pursued?
Glou. Ay, my good lord.[3144]
Corn. If he be taken, he shall never more[3145] 110 Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,[3145] How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund,[3145][3146] Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant[3145][3147] So much commend itself, you shall be ours:[3145][3148] Natures of such deep trust we shall much need:[3145][3149] 115 You we first seize on.[3145][3149]
Edm. I shall serve you, sir,[3150][3151] Truly, however else.[3150]
Glou. For him I thank your grace.[3152]
Corn. You know not why we came to visit you,--[3153]
Reg. Thus out of season, threading dark-eyed night:[3154] Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,[3155] 120 Wherein we must have use of your advice:[3156] Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister, Of differences, which I least thought it fit[3157] To answer from our home; the several messengers[3158] From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend, 125 Lay comforts to your bosom and bestow[3159] Your needful counsel to our business,[3159][3160] Which craves the instant use.[3159][3161]
Glou. I serve you, madam:[3162] Your graces are right welcome. [Flourish. Exeunt.[3162][3163]
Act II, Scene II — Before Gloucester's castle.
Enter KENT and OSWALD, severally.[3164]
Osw. Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house?[3165][3166]
Kent. Ay.
Osw. Where may we set our horses?
Kent. I' the mire.[3167]
Osw. Prithee, if thou lovest me, tell me.[3168] 5
Kent. I love thee not.
Osw. Why then I care not for thee.
Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold, I would make[3169] thee care for me.
Osw. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not. 10
Kent. Fellow, I know thee.
Osw. What dost thou know me for?
Kent. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound,[3170] filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, action-taking[3171] 15 knave; a whoreson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical[3172] rogue; one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a[3173] bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pandar, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch: one whom I will beat into[3174] 20 clamorous whining, if thou deniest the least syllable of thy[3175] addition.
Osw. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to[3176] rail on one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee![3177]
Kent. What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny 25 thou knowest me! Is it two days ago since I tripped up[3178][3179] thy heels and beat thee before the king? Draw, you rogue:[3179] for, though it be night, yet the moon shines; I'll make a[3180] sop o' the moonshine of you: draw, you whoreson cullionly[3181] barber-monger, draw. [Drawing his sword.[3182] 30
Osw. Away! I have nothing to do with thee.
Kent. Draw, you rascal: you come with letters against[3183] the king, and take vanity the puppet's part against the royalty of her father: draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado[3184] your shanks: draw, you rascal; come your ways.[3185] 35
Osw. Help, ho! murder! help!
Kent. Strike, you slave; stand, rogue; stand, you neat[3186] slave, strike. [Beating him.[3187]
Osw. Help, ho! murder! murder!
Enter EDMUND, with his rapier drawn, CORNWALL, REGAN, GLOUCESTER, and Servants.[3188]
Edm. How now! What's the matter? [Parting them.[3189][3190][3191] 40
Kent. With you, goodman boy, an you please: come,[3192] I'll flesh you; come on, young master.[3193]
Glou. Weapons! arms! What's the matter here?[3194]
Corn. Keep peace, upon your lives;[3195] He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?[3195][3196] 45
Reg. The messengers from our sister and the king.[3197]
Corn. What is your difference? speak.[3198]
Osw. I am scarce in breath, my lord.
Kent. No marvel, you have so bestirred your valour.[3199] You cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee: a tailor made[3199][3200] 50 thee.[3199]
Corn. Thou art a strange fellow: a tailor make a man?[3199][3201]
Kent. Ay, a tailor, sir: a stone-cutter or a painter[3202] could not have made him so ill, though he had been but[3203] two hours at the trade.[3204] 55
Corn. Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?[3205]
Osw. This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared[3206] at suit of his gray beard,--[3207]
Kent. Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter![3208] My lord, if you will give me leave, I will tread this[3209] 60 unbolted villain into mortar, and daub the walls of a jakes[3210] with him. Spare my gray beard, you wagtail?[3211]
Corn. Peace, sirrah![3212][3213] You beastly knave, know you no reverence?[3212][3214]
Kent. Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege.[3215] 65
Corn. Why art thou angry?
Kent. That such a slave as this should wear a sword, Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,[3216] Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain[3217] Which are too intrinse to unloose; smooth every passion[3218] 70 That in the natures of their lords rebel;[3219] Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;[3220] Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks[3221] With every gale and vary of their masters,[3222] Knowing nought, like dogs, but following.[3223][3224] 75 A plague upon your epileptic visage![3223] Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?[3223][3225] Goose, if I had you upon Sarum plain,[3226] I'ld drive ye cackling home to Camelot.[3227]
Corn. What, art thou mad, old fellow?[3228] 80
Glou. How fell you out? say that.[3228][3229]
Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave.
Corn. Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?[3230]
Kent. His countenance likes me not. 85
Corn. No more perchance does mine, nor his, nor hers.[3231]
Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain: I have seen better faces in my time Than stands on any shoulders that I see[3232] Before me at this instant.
Corn. This is some fellow,[3233][3234] 90 Who, having been praised for bluntness, doth affect[3233] A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb[3233][3235] Quite from his nature: he cannot flatter, he,--[3233][3236] An honest mind and plain,--he must speak truth![3233][3237] An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.[3233][3238] 95 These kind of knaves I know, which in this plainness[3233][3239] Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends[3233][3240] Than twenty silly ducking observants[3233][3241] That stretch their duties nicely.[3233]
Kent. Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,[3242] 100 Under the allowance of your great aspect,[3243] Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire On flickering Phœbus' front,--
Corn. What mean'st by this?[3244]
Kent. To go out of my dialect, which you discommend[3245] so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled[3246] 105 you in a plain accent was a plain knave; which, for my part, I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to[3247] entreat me to't.[3247][3248]
Corn. What was the offence you gave him?[3249]
Osw. I never gave him any:[3250][3251] 110 It pleased the king his master very late[3251][3252] To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;[3251][3253] When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure,[3254] Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd, And put upon him such a deal of man,[3255] 115 That worthied him, got praises of the king[3255] For him attempting who was self-subdued; And in the fleshment of this dread exploit[3256] Drew on me here again.[3257]
Kent. None of these rogues and cowards[3258] But Ajax is their fool.[3258][3259]
Corn. Fetch forth the stocks! 120 You stubborn ancient knave, you reverend braggart,[3260] We'll teach you--[3261]
Kent. Sir, I am too old to learn:[3262] Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king,[3262] On whose employment I was sent to you:[3262][3263] You shall do small respect, show too bold malice[3264] 125 Against the grace and person of my master, Stocking his messenger.[3265]
Corn. Fetch forth the stocks! As I have life and honour,[3266][3267] There shall he sit till noon.[3266]
Reg. Till noon! till night, my lord, and all night too.[3268] 130
Kent. Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,[3269] You should not use me so.[3269][3270]
Reg. Sir, being his knave, I will.
Corn. This is a fellow of the self-same colour[3271] Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks!
[Stocks brought out.[3272]
Glou. Let me beseech your grace not to do so: 135 His fault is much, and the good king his master[3273] Will check him for't: your purposed low correction[3273] Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches[3273][3274] For pilferings and most common trespasses[3273] Are punish'd with: the king must take it ill,[3273] 140 That he, so slightly valued in his messenger,[3273][3275] Should have him thus restrain'd.[3273][3275]
Corn. I'll answer that.
Reg. My sister may receive it much more worse,[3276] To have her gentleman abused, assaulted,[3277] For following her affairs. Put in his legs.[3278] 145
[Kent is put in the stocks.[3279]
Come, my good lord, away. [Exeunt all but Gloucester and Kent.[3280]
Glou. I am sorry for thee, friend; 'tis the duke's pleasure,[3281] Whose disposition, all the world well knows, Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd: I'll entreat for thee.[3282]
Kent. Pray, do not, sir: I have watch'd and travell'd hard;[3283] 150 Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.[3284] A good man's fortune may grow out at heels: Give you good morrow!
Glou. The duke's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken.
[Exit.[3285]
Kent. Good king, that must approve the common saw, 155 Thou out of heaven's benediction comest[3286] To the warm sun! Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,[3287][3288] That by thy comfortable beams I may[3287] Peruse this letter! Nothing almost sees miracles[3287][3289] 160 But misery: I know 'tis from Cordelia,[3287][3290] Who hath most fortunately been inform'd[3287][3291] Of my obscured course; and shall find time[3287][3292][3293] From this enormous state, seeking to give[3287][3293][3294] Losses their remedies. All weary and o'er-watch'd,[3287][3295] 165 Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold[3296] This shameful lodging.[3297] Fortune, good night: smile once more; turn thy wheel![3297]
[Sleeps.[3298]
Act II, Scene III — A wood.
Enter EDGAR.[3299]
Edg. I heard myself proclaim'd;[3300] And by the happy hollow of a tree Escaped the hunt. No port is free; no place, That guard and most unusual vigilance[3301] Does not attend my taking. Whiles I may 'scape[3302] 5 I will preserve myself: and am bethought To take the basest and most poorest shape[3303] That ever penury in contempt of man Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth, Blanket my loins, elf all my hair in knots,[3304] 10 And with presented nakedness out-face The winds and persecutions of the sky.[3305] The country gives me proof and precedent[3306] Of Bedlam beggars, who with roaring voices Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms[3307] 15 Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;[3308] And with this horrible object, from low farms,[3309] Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes and mills,[3310] Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,[3311] Enforce their charity. Poor Turlygod! poor Tom![3312] 20 That's something yet: Edgar I nothing am. [Exit.